Latest News

Liz Landford, ArtSound Arts Correspondent, speaks with Karen Vickery, prominent Canberra-based actor, director, playwright, and arts administrator. This recording is from May 25, 2023.

  A lot is happening at ArtSound. Here’s some of it.   Annual General Meeting The 2023 Annual General Meeting of ArtSound Inc, which operates ArtSound FM, is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 27, at 7pm in the McDonald Room at Eastlake Football Club, 3 Oxley Street, Griffith. Terry Giesecke, ArtSound’s Public Officer, […]

A lot is happening at ArtSound. Here’s some of it.   ArtSound Fundraiser Quiz Night The latest of ArtSound’s perennially popular musical quiz night fundraisers is upon us. It takes place this Thursday, May 4, at the Eastlake Football Club in Kingston. You can attend as a team of eight to ten people, or as […]

Here are some more copies of ArtSound’s first newsletter, Fine Tunings, from near the beginning of the station’s now 40-year history of operations. Fine Tuning Winter 1983 vol 1 no 3 Fine Tuning Winter 1984 vol 1 no 4 Fine Tuning Summer 1984/85 Vol 1 no 6

TO PURCHASE TICKETS, GO HERE. The ArtSound fundraising ’50s to ’80s Music Trivia Quiz Night is now set for Thursday May 4, starting at 7pm, with Brian Leonard again serving as quizmaster. This is an opportunity to support fundraising for the station (as well as showing off your music knowledge!) and we ask all of […]

On Sunday, April 16, at 1pm, the final event in ArtSound’s current summer/autumn fundraiser concert series will take place in the gardens of the Manuka Arts Centre. It’ll be something quite unusual and special: an adaptation of ArtSound Radio Theatre’s adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s classic tale for all ages, The Wind in the Willows. With […]

The ArtSound fundraising ’50s to ’80s Music Trivia Quiz Night is now set for Thursday May 4, starting at 7pm, with Brian Leonard again serving as quizmaster. This is an opportunity to support fundraising for the station (as well as showing off your music knowledge!) and we ask all of you to help by buying […]

NewA lot is happening at ArtSound. Here’s some of it. Annual General Meeting The date of Artsound Incorporated’s 2023 Annual General Meeting has been set for Tuesday, June 27. More details will be provided in next month’s newsletter, and via emailings and other notifications. Early-Morning Program Returns ArtStarter, Canberra’s most happening early-morning radio show, is […]

ArtStarter, Canberra’s most happening early-morning radio show, is now on air. From 7-9am each weekday, it is providing news about the arts and other community activities in and around Canberra, in keeping with ArtSound’s role as Canberra’s arts and music community radio station. All delivered in a snappy format. The idea, says the program’s coordinator, […]

Mark your calendars for more glorious music in the ArtSound gardens at the Manuka Arts Centre. Coming Sunday March 12: At 4pm, in the Wayne Kelly Trio, the piano great is joined by Eric Ajaye, bass, and Col Hoorweg, drums. At 5pm, Black Cypress (Rosie and Sam Harris, guitars and vocals, and Charlotte Strong, violin […]

On Friday 3 March 2023, ArtSound launched its year of 40th Anniversary celebrations and special programming with a ceremony in the ArtSound gardens at the Manuka Arts Centre. Graciously declaring the beginning of the year’s events for us was Rebecca Vassarotti, (Greens, Member for Kurrajong), ACT Minister for the Environment, Heritage, Homelessness and Housing Services, […]

A lot is happening at ArtSound. Here’s some of it. Invitation to ArtSound FM’s 40th Anniversary Launch We invite all ArtSound members and supporters to join us at the launch of our 40th Anniversary. The event takes place from 5.30pm to 6.30pm on Friday March 3 in the gardens of Manuka Arts Centre. ArtSound FM […]

As we approach the Launch of our 40th Anniversary year (Friday March 3 at 5:30pm in the gardens of the Manuka Arts Centre), here’s a blast from the past: ArtSound’s first two newsletters, ever. They date from 1983, when we went by our original name, Canberra Stereo Public Radio. Remarkably, the station’s vision has remained […]

The ArtSound Summer/Autumn Series continued on Sunday, 12 February, and we have three more events coming up, soon. On Sunday 26 February, at 4pm, two lively acts: Bella Groove and Dr Jawbone and the Restless Souls. Led by Canberra Critics’ Circle Award winner, Elise Walsh, Bella Groove — Elise Walsh, flute/vocals; Ross Buchanan, keys; Matt […]

ArtSound’s Summer/Autumn Concert Series recommences this Sunday, 12 February, at 4pm in ArtSound’s gardens at the Manuka Arts Centre. Con Campbell and friends appear. Con Campbell and friends will perform on that day. First, the Con Campbell Trio (below, right) performs, with Con Campbell (tenor and soprano saxophones), Chris Pound (double bass), and Nick McBride […]

A lot is happening at ArtSound. Here’s some of it.   ArtSound’s 40th Anniversary As you’ll have been hearing on ArtSound, 2023 is the 40th anniversary of ArtSound broadcasting to the ACT and region. We’ll be marking that accomplishment throughout the year, starting with a launch at 5.30pm on Friday March 3 in the ArtSound […]

At an event at ArtSound on January 10, 2023, longtime ArtSound theatre critic and presenter Bill Stephens bade ArtSound farewell. He has retired from broadcasting after many years of arts presenting and production. Here’s what he said to the gathering: Bill Stephens ArtSound & Me

The success of ArtSound FM relies on its members, and right now we are offering you the chance to be directly involved in that success. We are seeking expressions of interest to join these Committees: Fundraising/sponsorship/grant – Primary role is identifying and pursuing funding opportunities. Membership enhancement – Primary role is developing programs to recruit […]

Throughout 2023, ArtSound will celebrate its 40th year of broadcasting. Early in February (date yet to be confirmed), an official launch will be held in the Manuka Arts Centre gardens, with special guests, music, and an announcement of this year’s anniversary program. Among events being planned for the year is a series of summer and […]

CANCELLED              CANCELLED         CANCELLED   Friday, 17 February 2023, 7pm Eastlake Football Club 3 Oxley Street, Kingston Following the sell-out success of last year’s music trivia night, we have another fabulous fun quiz night lined up for you on Friday 17 February at the Eastlake Football Club at Kingston, commencing at 7pm. A host of our […]

ArtSound Newsletter – December 2022 A lot is happening at ArtSound. Here’s some of it. Board Letter to Members Dear Members, We are writing to update members on the Board’s recent efforts to obtain grant funding to secure the future of ArtSound in the medium term. While ArtSound’s financial position into 2023 will allow us […]

ArtSound FM community radio congratulates Canberra pianist Ronan Apcar, winner of the ACT Young Virtuoso Award held at ArtSound in September, for taking second place at the competition’s national final. The National Young Virtuoso Award final took place on Sunday 20 November 2022. Ronan Apcar placed second behind Victorian pianist Anna Gao, and ahead of […]

A lot is happening at ArtSound. Here’s some of it.   2022 Membership renewal Most ArtSound memberships are now due, so all listeners are encouraged to renew, or to sign up. In case you missed this news: at a recent Special General Meeting of ArtSound, ArtSound’s membership altered slightly the terms of membership. Now, your […]

ArtSound congratulates Canberra pianist Ronan Apcar, winner of the ACT Young Virtuoso Award held at ArtSound in September, for taking second place at the competition’s national final. The National Young Virtuoso Award final took place on Sunday 20 November 2022 in Melbourne, organised by 3MBS community radio. Ronan Apcar placed second behind Victorian pianist Anna […]

A lot is happening at ArtSound. Here’s some of it.   Young Virtuoso At a live broadcast on ArtSound on Sunday 25 September, ArtSound’s adjudicators selected the winner of the ACT Young Virtuoso Awards from among four outstanding finalists: Ronan Apcar (pictured receiving award from ArtSound President, Betsy Dixon; photo: Chris Deacon), a pianist. He […]

Congratulations to three participants in ArtSound’s Poetry on the Radio on their selection to the shortlist for the 2021 ACT Book of the Year: PS Cottier for Utterly, Penelope Layland for Nigh, and Moya Pacey for Doggerland. Also, to ArtSound’s Art Café interviewee Patrick Mullins for his The Trials of Portnoy.

Congratulations to Ronan Apcar on winning the ACT Final of the Young Virtuosos Awards, held at ArtSound FM last Sunday! Ronan now goes to Melbourne in November to compete in the National Finals.

ArtSound Newsletter — September 2022 A lot is happening at ArtSound. Here’s some of it. Special General Meeting The ArtSound Board has called a Special General Meeting to propose adjustments to the organisation’s membership provisions. The meeting is set for Tuesday 20 September 2022 at 6pm at the ArtSound office (before the regular monthly meeting […]

Our Radio Rookies courses for kids 9-12 years old have sparked interest in similar courses for adults. So we’re starting those up. The adult courses — Podcasts 101 — will be one-day events, held on Saturdays. The first will be on 24 September from 10am to 4pm. Attendees will learn the basics of podcasting and […]

ArtSound ran the second of this year’s successful Radio Rookies holiday programs in early July, and will offer another one in the next school holidays, from Wednesday 5 October to Friday 7 October. The Radio Rookies program introduces young people to the world of radio and podcasting. It provides them with the tools and training […]

Click here to download newsletter: August 2022 Newsletter

Calling all aspiring classical music instrumentalists under 25 and vocalists under 30. This is your opportunity to take part in the Young Virtuosos Competition. The national Young Virtuoso awards have given many vibrant Australian performers a career-boosting experience. The grand winner receives a cash prize as well as recording opportunities. The ACT regional finals will […]

The Music Trivia Night Organising Team has been closely monitoring the increasing spike in Covid and flu cases in the ACT and across Australia, now described as Covid’s ‘third wave’. In the interests of fulfilling our social responsibility, it has been decided to postpone the fundraising Trivia Night scheduled for 19 August until a future […]

ArtSound Newsletter – 29 June 2022 A lot is happening at ArtSound. Here’s some of it. Annual General Meeting, 7 July ArtSound’s annual general meeting is coming up. It will take place on Thursday 7 July 2022, starting at 7:30pm, at Thinkplace (50 Blackall Street, Barton). All ArtSound financial members are invited to attend to […]

BUY HERE Save the date: ArtSound’s next fundraising Music Quiz Night is scheduled for Friday 19 August, commencing at 7pm, at the Eastlake Football Club in Kingston. It’s to be a ’50s to early ‘90s music quiz, says MC Brian Leonard. It’ll have the same fun format as last year, with such themes as identify […]

Here is a list of winners drawn on Sunday 5 June 2022 on ArtSound FM, with their prize and suburb/town. Congratulations to all. The office has been in touch with them to arrange pickup or delivery. Golden Ticket for events at Kambri Cultural Centre ANU — Alexandra, Yass Seven days accommodation in a Melbourne Apartment, […]

Due to the likelihood of inclement weather on Sunday, some components of the ArtSound Open Day, including the sausage sizzle and outdoor musical performances, have been postponed to the spring. If you'd like to take a studio tour, however, do come to the Manuka Arts Centre anytime from noon to about three in the afternoon [...]

Here’s your chance to be a radio star! Call us on 6295-8499 and record a short message telling us why you enjoy ArtSound. Of course you don’t need to include your name, although you can if you like — or just your given name. We’d love you hear from you on 6295-8499.  

ArtSound’s holiday program for 9 to 12 year olds, Radio Rookies, is coming again. If your child would like to learn about radio and podcasting production, below is information about how to enroll them, and what they can learn. The April cohort had a great time, and your kids surely will, too, if they sign […]

Would you like to send ArtSound’s on-air presenters a text message during their program? They’ll receive it in the studio. The presenters won’t be able to respond to the messages, but they’ll be able to see what you think of the broadcast. To send a message, simple use this number: 0485 833 133 Or, send […]

Radiothon: ArtSound’s Earfest ArtSound’s annual “Radiothon” fundraiser — ArtSound Earfest 2022 — is upon us. It runs from 5pm on Friday 27 May to 5pm on Sunday 5 June. Handily, it comes just a few short weeks before the end of the financial year. Searching for tax deductions? Any donations to ArtSound of $2 or […]

ArtSound’s annual on-air “radiothon” fundraiser is coming soon. It’s theme: ArtSound Earfest.

In this issue: ArtSound’s annual Radiothon: Earfest ArtSound and COTA & Senior Memories Radio and Podcasting Workshops Radio Rookies Holiday Program Technology Update Stronger Communities Grant Award PhotoAccess Open Day Visitors to the Studios Muslim Voice Radio Australian Wind Symphony   ArtSound’s annual Radiothon: Earfest Planning is well under way for ArtSound’s annual on-air “radiothon” […]

Courses run 11-13 April and 20-22 April Do you have kids aged between 9 and 12 who might like to attend one of our three-day “Radio Rookies” holiday programs at ArtSound? These were very popular in the past, so we’re reviving them now, working with an accomplished events organiser, Sionna Maple, the founder and Creative […]

Senior Memories Expansion On Monday, 4 April, the Senior Memories Hour is expanding from one hour to two each weekday, and will now be called Senior Memories. The expansion is in part thanks a partnership ArtSound has formed with COTA ACT. Under the collaboration, COTA (Council On The Ageing) will act as a strategic sponsor […]

The ArtSound Board of Management has set the date for this year’s Annual General Meeting. It will take place on Thursday 7 July 2022 at a time and venue to be announced.

Courses run 11-13 April and 20-22 April Do you have kids aged between 9 and 12 who might like to attend one of our three-day “Radio Rookies” holiday programs at ArtSound? These were very popular in the past, so we’re reviving them now, working with an accomplished events organiser, Sionna Maple, the founder and Creative […]

ArtSound has a new weekly feature, heard on Arts Café on Thursdays at about 1:20pm (repeated at about 6:20pm): Poetry on the Radio. Produced in association with the outstanding Canberra poetry imprint, Recent Work Press, the series consists of segments of about three minutes each in which a poet, generally living in the Canberra region, […]

A new series within ArtSound’s ongoing series-of-series, Bert Whelan’s Golden Years of Music, begins this Saturday 23 October 2021. It’s  The Great Songwriters. ArtSound’s longtime connoisseur of great music, Bert Whelan, has created fine radio series in the past, including Light Orchestral Hour and Music from the Movies and Television, Australian Orchestras and Singers, and […]

We might all be shut away (unless we play golf),  but the ACT arts world continues to turn. Here’s some of what’s been happening in recent weeks. A Fascinating Bill Stephens Interview You may recently have heard Bill Stephen’s fascinating interview with Broadway orchestrator August Eriksmoen. Among Eriksmoen’s achievements while orchestrating or serving in similar […]

For over 30 years, young instrumentalists and vocalists have competed for the Young Virtuoso Award; an initiative by fine music radio stations across the country. The competition gives aspiring musicians a vibrant and career-boosting experience with broadcasting and recording opportunities, cash prizes and valuable performance practice. Classical instrumentalists under the age of 25, and vocalists […]

Philby We note with great sadness the death of Phil “Philby” Birch-Marston, our longtime and much loved fellow volunteer at ArtSound. Philby passed away May 19 at the age of 77 after a battle with cancer. He had been a volunteer at the station since 1994, during our days as Canberra Stereo Public Radio (CSPR), […]

On 20 February 2021, ArtSound conducted a live broadcast during an Open Day hosted by our neighbours at the Manuka Arts Centre, PhotoAccess. Here are some images from the day. If your organisation is holding an event that might lend itself to a live broadcast, do get in touch at admin@artsound.fm Above, ArtSound’s Betsy Dixon […]

ArtSound FM will be having a special get-together for volunteers and members. Invitations have been sent via email, inside our member newsletter. If you haven’t received your invitation please let us know at admin@artsound.com.au. Bookings are essential, and close on Monday 22nd of February 2021.

The ArtSound office will be closed from December 23rd 2020 to January 11 2021. Please join our mailing list to stay up to date with all our news. We thank you for listening to ArtSound FM this year, and look forward to bringing you lots of new and exciting content in 2021. If you need […]

ArtSound Radio Theatre Episodes Program 1 –(Bill Stephens) (29.11.20) “Shopping for Underwear” – Harriet Elvin Cast – Liz St.Clair-Long “The Last Letter” – Bart Meehan (also interview) Cast -  Elaine Noon Program 2 – (Bill Stephens) (6.12.20) “The Boy Who Came with the Frame” – John Lombard (Also Interview) Cast – Joanna Richards   Program [...]

Would you like to tell Canberrans about your business, organisation, or upcoming event? ArtSound offers a range of promotional sponsorship packages that help you to get the word out to your prospective clients, customers, and supporters. To find out more about our generous sponsorship packages, including attractive rates for ArtSound members and arts organisation, and other […]

ArtSoundFM is tackling loneliness and isolation among the ACT community’s older people by widening transmission of its Internet-streamed Senior Memories Service — radio programs tailored for seniors — to the Artsound FM band. The Senior Memories Network has been providing the programs for several years to several aged-care facilities in Canberra and western New South […]

ArtSound FM, Canberra’s arts and music community radio station, will hold its annual fundraiser from May 29 to June 14. After this year’s bushfires, hailstorm, and Covid-19 lockdown, ArtSound is appealing to listeners to help replenish its funding so it can continue its work of supporting the ACT’s arts community. “This has been a particularly […]

CBAA and Community Radio in Canberra ArtSound hosted a meeting of the six Canberra Community Radio stations (1CMS, 1WAY, 1RPH, 2XX, Valley Fm, ArtSound) with CBAA representative Jon Bisset this week. It was a very positive and useful meeting which built on collaborations begun earlier in the year. It set the scene for formation of […]

For more information on the aims on the campaign please see here. Welcome to ArtSound We have not asked you for help for a long time. I need to convey to all our listeners and the Canberra community as a whole, that ArtSound stands at a defining moment in its history as we try to […]

During July and August, ArtSound moved its transmitter from Poppet Hill in the Kowen Forest east of Canberra to Black Mountain Tower, close to the city’s geographic centre. The move was one part of a broad range of improvements to ArtSound’s operations. We ask that all members join the organisation’s fundraising efforts, to help implement […]