Arts & Parts exists in a community populated by driven and thoughtful individuals, and over the past few years, we have been so pleased to develop a relationship with the singer-songwriter and creative producer Merlyn Driver and his innovative artist development platform Making Tracks. Merlyn’s interests are many and include a deep understanding of nature, a particular affinity with the Eurasian curlew (Europe’s largest wading bird), a passion for joik (vocal traditional performed by the Sámi people of Sápmi in Northern Europe) and the ‘buzz aesthetic’ found in musical traditions throughout Africa and elsewhere. The launch of his self-released album Simmerdim: Curlew Sounds at Phytology – a nature reserve in London’s east end was a highlight of 2022. We admire his commitment and ability to blend his overarching concerns for nature with his art and encourage everyone to listen to his work and his environmental messaging.

Arts & Parts had nothing to fear in the first two weeks of March, as we headed west from Sydney – where we’ve been working as well as enjoying the Australian summer – to follow the premieres of the fifth and sixth commissions of Finding Our Voice.

Located on Ngunnawal, Ngunawal and Ngambri County and known for its innumerable roundabouts, Canberra - Australia’s bush capital - is not the first place you’d think of spending time in summer, mostly because the country’s plentiful and spectacular beaches hold sway over other landscapes.

Sydney in January…is a wonderful time to indulge yourself with local, national and international culture.