Short Black Opera Secures Melbourne Residency Amid Funding Crisis for First Nations Arts

Short Black Opera, the sole First Nations-led opera company in Australia, has launched a three-year residency at Gasworks in South Melbourne, led by artistic director Deborah Cheetham Fraillon. This development comes after Creative Victoria ended the company's four-year funding, which had been in place for 15 years. Founded nearly 20 years ago by Yorta Yorta opera singer and composer Cheetham Fraillon, the organization aims to highlight Indigenous stories, featuring productions like Pecan Summer and Eumeralla. The residency was offered by Gasworks' new creative director, Sam Strong, who also supports the Dhungala Children's Choir and Ensemble Dutala. Cheetham Fraillon has voiced concerns about the arts funding crisis, pointing out that while Victorian Opera receives support, her company does not, stressing the connection between opera and First Nations storytelling.