In 2006, a scoping study of contemporary music in rural Ipswich was undertaken by Sandra Kirkwood to map out what music was occuring in the area and who was involved with particular music events. This resulted in a book and database that outlined "Music Communities of the 21st Century in Rural Ipswich." Much of the information was obtained through focus groups with people who were interested in community music, music therapy, music education, and recording their own music.
A review of the the Purga Music Museum was also undertaken at this time through a focus group with interested people and representatives of Queensland Community Arts Network (QCAN), Access Arts, Purga Elders and Descendants Aboriginal Corporation, Purga Friends Association, Kinections and Ipswich Multi-cultural Projects. A Regional Arts Development grant from Arts Queensland and Ipswich City Council made it possible to engage professional advisers and mentors, Prof. Huib Schippers (Queensland Conservatorium Research Centre), and music historian Dr John Whiteoak.
The focus groups resulted in brainstorming a "Music Action Plan for Rural Ipswich." and a report to local government entitled "Towards a strategy for music in rural Ipswich 2006-2007."
Article written by Sandra Kirkwood 28 March, 2009.
© Sandra Kirkwood, 2008 | 
