Image: Xani Kolac
For 50 years, the Australian Music Centre has championed emerging
and mid-career artists, helping shape the rich and diverse sound
of Australian art music. This year's AusArt Day campaign celebrates that
legacy by sharing the stories of artists whose careers have been
transformed through the AMC's support.
One of those artists is Xani Kolac, a violinist, songwriter, and composer
whose fearless creativity continues to inspire audiences across
genres. In this interview, Xani shares insights into her artistic
journey, the value of community, and how the AMC has helped her
bring bold new ideas to life.
Q. How did you find out about AMC? When did you become a
represented artist?
Xani: I found out about Australian Music Centre
through my colleagues in the jazz and improvised music community.
I immediately signed up to become a member so that I could gain
access to the immensely useful opportunities listings page. Then,
last year I became a represented artist which was a great honour.
Q. How instrumental has AMC been in fostering your
career?
Xani: Australian Music Centre has been a rich
portal of resources that has propelled my music career forward.
I've been an avid reader of Resonate articles written by artists
who I both look up to and admire; I've found out about countless
opportunities for growth and support through their various
channels of communication; I've attended professional development
panels and opportunities; and I was also the recipient of the AMC
x Classical:NEXT Insiders Fellowship program in Berlin last year
where I gained invaluable advice and connections with the
international art music scene. I've also been incredibly lucky to
feel love, support and encouragement from AMC staff who work
tirelessly for our Australian art music ecosystem.
Q. What opportunities and experiences have you been able
to explore as an AMC represented artist?
Xani: As a newly represented artist, I haven't
yet taken advantage of all the perks available to me. But I have
been able to direct industry professionals to my profile and
registered works; written articles for Resonate; been part of
broader conversations about composing for loops and loop station
with my colleagues; and engaged in pressing discussions with the
broader art music community. I also attended the inaugural
"Surrounding Sound" conference in Gadigal/Sydney this year which
was a brilliant coming together of our community that must be
repeated.
Q. What are your hopes and goals for the future of your
art music career?
Xani: Over the past two years I have been making
a good go of performing internationally. This has been a hugely
rewarding and exciting experience so far, and has opened many
doors to new influences, new collaborations and new opportunities
to play and share music; as well as a chance for me to reconnect
with my Polish roots. I hope to keep pushing contemporary violin
playing into uncharted territory, bringing together my jazz and
classical trainings in ways that unite, and also create tension.
Despite keeping my eye on the international horizon, I am really
looking forward to the future of art music in this country. We
have a unique perspective and environment, with artists doing
incredible things in music. We are also at a pivotal point in
so-called Australian politics and truth-telling, with Treaty on
the table down here in Victoria, and yet inhumane immigration
laws across the nation. Music has a role to play, and I am
certain that art music practitioners will keep guiding us and our
communities towards truth.
Support the future of
Australian music this AusArt Day
On Thursday 23 October
2025, join us for AusArt Day - Creative Australia's new national
giving day dedicated to the arts.
Your donation this AusArt Day will help us nurture the next
generation of Australian creatives keeping our music community
growing and flourishing for years to come.
Donate
NOW
Donations over $2 are tax deductible.
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