We are so grateful to be facilitating the New Zealand aspect of the Global Ethno Mobility Grant. This fund has been made possible by Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies. It is our great pleasure to offer musicians between the ages of 18- 30 years old, an opportunity to apply for an all inclusive scholarship to attend an Ethno in another part of the globe. This year we had quite a few high quality applications!
The global Ethno Mobility program is set to broaden the cultural horizons of many young people ( An average of 100 young musicians annually will receive a full scholarship to attend various Ethnos around the world, covering their flights, transport, food, accommodation and participation), and in a time when the world is in increased need of open, respectful dialogue between its peoples and nations. What better way could there be, than through our universal language – music.
We are excited to announce the New Zealand Ethno Global Mobility Grant Scholarship recipients:
Cassandra Bahr ( Fiddle/Vocals ) - Ethno Solomon Islands
Cassandra is off in June 2019, for a life changing week of music, fun and intercultural exchange!
Cassandra came to Ethno New Zealand in January this year, sharing her enthusiastic spirit, wonderful musicianship and boundless positive energy. We are so happy to be able to facilitate her journey and in addition we know that she will be well looked after by our good friend and organizer of Ethno Solomon Islands Will Tekatoha.
Adam Young ( Rap/Guitar/Bass )- Ethno Australia
Adam has been to two Ethno New Zealand world music residencies and he has gifted his humility, kindness and considerable musical talent to both. We are very happy to offer Adam a scholarship attend Ethno Australia 2019.
Adam will share his world view with those in Australia and will no doubt return with some awesome ideas and skills to bolster his professional career back here in Aotearoa.
Rachel Evans ( Fiddle ) - Ethno Sweden
Rachel is off to Sweden in June/July 2019. Her strong character, solid musical talent and curiosity for learning more means that she is a perfect candidate for the Ethno Global Scholarship Fund.
We are very excited for Rachel as she heads to the biggest and oldest Ethno in the world. Rachel offers an insight into the music of the Anglo - Celtic diaspora who started to come to New Zealand in the 1840's. This complemented with her firm identity as a Pakeha New Zealander means that those in Sweden are in for a treat!
Oliver Bramah (Guitar/Bodhran/Whistles)
- Ethno Estonia
Oliver is off to Ethno Estonia in July 2019 as the fourth kiwi travellling on the Ethno Mobility Grant.
He attended our first Ethno NZ in 2018 and in 2019 he was the Youth leader. Oliver grew up in the folk scene in New Zealand with his roots firmly in the English and Irish traditional music. Currently he is studying composition at Auckland University. Oliver is a musician that honours his his musical background as well as seeking new inspiration from other cultures and traditions.
We know that he will have a brilliant time at Ethno Estonia and can't wait to hear about his adventure when he is returning to Aotearoa!