The power of collaboration is being harnessed to give Queensland Indigenous performers and communities a voice through music.
Christa Powell, co-founder of Brisbane band Topology, has long championed the use of musical collaboration to break down barriers and enhance communication.
Since forming the genre-defying quintet Topology in 1997, Powell and her band have recorded 16 albums, performed worldwide, and engaged in extensive cross-disciplinary collaborations.
"One of our core focuses is collaboration. We have always sought to work with others to create something new," Powell said.
"We are passionate about learning as artists by challenging each other, which requires openness and the willingness to explore new approaches. Every collaboration teaches us something new."
Over the past 20 years, Powell and Topology have conducted grassroots programs across regional Queensland, forging connections with Indigenous Elders and artists. These relationships have opened doors for meaningful musical collaborations.
"Jamming and making music together is a profound way to connect with people,” Powell said.
“Much of our work involves bringing people together artistically, even if they have never touched an instrument before.
“We’ve engaged in a lot of jamming – essentially musical conversation – leading to performances that bridge cultural gaps.
“It has been a really beautiful way of learning a lot about our own culture. I am not Indigenous, so it is really important to me that I learn about the culture that is from my home, Queensland.”
Topology's Christa Powell.
Topology’s collaborative projects with Indigenous artists include multi-day Bootcamps, where participants compose and develop music, culminating in public performances.
Last July/August, Topology travelled to Townsville and Palm Island to work with three generations of locals. Local Indigenous artists performed the music they created with Topology at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music.
“When we were on stage it struck me was that this is what reconciliation should feel like – this is what feels like the way forward,” Powell said.
Another impactful Bootcamp was held earlier in the year at Normanby Station, on Balnggarrawarra Country, north-west of Cooktown.
The camp involved 10 Indigenous and non-Indigenous students from Cooktown State High School, along with artists from Black Image, Topology, support staff, a teacher and the school principal.
The Harrigan brothers of Black Image, Traditional Owners of Normanby Station, led the camp, which included cultural immersion alongside music creation.
"The camp featured six days of songwriting, jamming, and cultural activities," Powell said.
“It had a transformative effect on the young people, bonding them to each other, country and music in a way not possible in the classroom.”
“Coming from a range of different backgrounds, the students participating in the Bootcamp were given the time, space and safety to explore the things going on in their lives through jamming and songwriting.
“Reportedly, when they were back at school, they were brimming with confidence, independence and new stories they are immensely proud of.”
Powell believes music is a powerful medium for cross-cultural collaboration, offering Indigenous Australians a platform to share their stories and be heard.
"Music, even when its themes are deeply emotional, is a source of joy, connection and healing,” she said.