Black Arm Band

The Black Arm Band was established in 2006. It is a 32 piece ensemble of singers and songwriters that celebrate Indigeneous Australian music as an instrument of identity, resistance and resilience.

The inaugural and critically acclaimed murundak, (which translates to 'alive' in the Woiwurrung (Wurundjeri) language) premiered at the Melbourne International Arts Festival in 2006 and has toured nationally and overseas. The show won the 2007 Helpman Award for Best Australian Contemporary Concert.

Hidden Republic, premiered at the Melbourne International Arts Festival in 2008. Performing with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Hidden Republic delves deeply into the songbook of contemporary Aboriginal music to reflect the renewed promise of 'post-apology' Australia.

The Black Arm Band features some of Australia's best musical talent including Archie Roach, Ruby Hunter, Paul Kelly, Bart Willoughby, Stephen Pigram, Dan Sultan, Carol Fraser, Peter Rotumah, Kutcha Edwards, Kev Carmody, Lou Bennett and Joe Geia.

These collaborating artists share a cultural space through music. They reconcile difference across cultural and historical boundaries to explore what connects, rather than divides, Australians.

Aboriginal band members play on a stage with red, purple and yellow lighting.

Murundak by the Black Arm Band.

Photo: John Sones Photography

You can find a full list of all The Black Arm Band artists and read their profiles on The Black Arm Band website.

Male Aboriginal performer playing a didgeridoo on stage with a projected image of him in the background.

Murundak by The Black Arm Band (2006)

Photo: John Sones. Source: Artshouse