ArtSound FM receives ACT Centenary Grant to assist preservation of its sound recordings

ArtSound FM will be provided with a $9,900 grant from the ACT Community Centenary Initiative Fund to undertake the first of a three stage Heritage Preservation Project.  The aim of the project is to preserve the best of the local arts radio station’s large collection of recordings dating over two decades.  The Community Centenary Initiative Fund supports community-driven projects and events that enhance the program of activities being developed for 2013.

ArtSound FM’s General Manager, Chris Deacon OAM, said today “ArtSound is thrilled that the ACT Government recognises the significant historical value attached to this collection which reflects, in sound, part of Canberra’s music and cultural development over many years.”
“ArtSound owns, arguably, the largest such collection ever assembled in Canberra of local artistic endeavour - all recorded by volunteers,” he said.

As much of the collection consists of ageing magnetic tape formats, the first stage of the ArtSound Heritage Preservation Project will focus on cataloguing the collection to help identify its gems and prioritise those in most urgent need of restoration and conservation. 

The collection includes interviews with Australian poets, writers, artists and arts-related personalities, as well as concerts by local, interstate and nationally acclaimed musicians in the fields of jazz, folk, early and classical music, some of whom never released commercial recordings.

ArtSound FM’s not-for-profit volunteer-driven radio service is dedicated to the high quality broadcast of a wide range of music, arts and cultural activities and information with a particular focus on the Canberra Region.  These endeavours are supported by its members and listeners, its increasing range of arts partners and sponsors including the ACT Government.

Media Contact – Chris Deacon OAM
General Manager ArtSound FM
(02) 6295 7444
chris.deacon@artsound.fm