General Member
Brian Cullen
Brian is a musician, guitarist and educator based in Darwin. He has contributed to the Darwin music scene for more than two decades across classical, Baroque, Latin and jazz styles.
About Us
Arafura Music Collective is a community of musicians and performing artists based in Garrmalang (Darwin), on Gulumoerrgin (Larrakia) land, in the Northern Territory.
We are passionate about creating music together in small ensembles and contributing to the unique cultural life of our community.
Nearly 30 years ago, Arafura Music Collective had its genesis in a group of friends who shared a love for the chamber music repertoire and the sheer joy of playing together in a small ensemble.
We named ourselves ‘Arafura’ to reflect our unique place in Australia on the shores of the Arafura Sea. The community began laying the foundation for the Arafura Music Collective of today, inviting and attracting musicians and performing artists who shared the same values and passion for chamber music.
Located in Darwin, a vibrant, complex, and diverse multicultural community connected to the deserts of Central Australia and the countries of Asia and the Pacific, through the Arafura Sea we express our commitment to our place through creative collaborations and artistic expression. We enjoy performing in unique spaces that celebrate the stories of Darwin and the Northern Territory.
Our audiences come to be surprised, challenged, moved, delighted, and entertained.
We invite them into the rich intimate drama of chamber music—a few musicians and their instruments, each completely dependent on the other, listening and watching intently, sensing the most subtle cues, responding instantly and flexibly to share their musical lines and weave their individual voices together.
The meeting of eyes, the drawing of breath in unison, the rhythms of bodies moving together with expressions of intense focus—this experience draws people into a performative experience that connects audience and musicians and cannot be replicated in large venues or online environments.
Our Impact
Arafura Music Collective is recognised as an integral contributor and innovator within the cultural landscape of the Northern Territory and Australia.
We cultivate a vibrant ecosystem of musicians, collaborators, and audiences to contribute to the diverse artistic heritage of the NT.
Through intimate small ensemble music performances, we enrich lives, inspire joy, and foster connections across genres, cultures, generations, and communities.
Our Values
Artistic Excellence and Integrity
We are dedicated to the continued development of artistic mastery, and to crafting authentic and transformative musical experiences.
Innovation
We engage our community through unique and creative practices and performances inspired by diverse cultural traditions and performance genres.
Community
We contribute to creating an inclusive and respectful community of performing artists and audiences that supports and honours diversity, access, and inclusion.
Collaboration
We connect with the musicians, artists and arts organisations of our city and region through interdisciplinary and intercultural collaborations.
Our People
After operating as an unincorporated organisation since 1996 the Foundation Board of Arafura Music Collective Incorporated was formally established in March 2023. The constitution of Arafura Music Collective specifies a Board of minimum six members maximum eight members consisting of the following roles: Chair, Deputy Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Public Officer and three General Members. The Creative Director/Producer is an Ex Officio member.
Deputy Chair
Catherine Holmes
Catherine brings a wealth of governance and leadership experience to the Arafura Music Collective’s table. She has honed her strategic planning, critical thinking and decision-making skills through her professional practice as a research leader and in her executive governance roles across diverse community organisations.
Ex Officio Creative Director & Producer
Claire Kilgariff
Claire Kilgariff has been a key member of Arafura Music Collective since its earliest inception. A musician and educator, she has devoted nearly 50 years to the cultural life of the NT and is recognised as an innovative Creative Director.
Chairperson & Public Officer
Gregory Anderson
Greg Anderson is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has served as a Director of Bible Society NSW, Kormilda College Limited, Nungalinya College and Anglicare NT, as well as chairing the Synod of the Diocese of the Northern Territory Inc and its Diocesan Council and Property and Finance Committee.
He is a regular performer with Arafura Music Collective (as well as its Public Officer and one of its inaugural Directors), Darwin Chorale (as well as being on its performance management committee from time to time), and Vocalective.
General Member
Greyson Butler
Greyson participated in various string orchestras and symphonies whilst growing up in the USA. Moving to Darwin expanded his musical ensemble involvement and introduced him to a diverse range of opportunities and understanding.
General Member
Kate Stephens
Kate Stephens is an experienced arts manager and freelance cellist living in the Northern Territory. She has worked as General Manager of Darwin Symphony Orchestra since 2018 and previously with Victorian Opera.
Treasurer
Rosemary Antonini
Rosemary Antonini serves as the Chief Operating Officer of ArtsVision. She has over a decade of experience in arts administration with organisations including Musica Viva, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, and Tasmanian Chamber Music Festival.