Music in Exile is a registered charity that supports musicians with lived experience of displacement or diaspora, currently living and working in Australia. We operate on an ‘artist first’ principle, ensuring artists have ownership over the tools and networks they need to build viable careers in the arts. In doing so, we seek to build a music industry which represents the many diverse voices and experiences of our community, and thus contribute to a more cohesive and resilient society.
Late in 2024, seven musicians gathered at the Old Carpet Factory recording studio on the island of Hydra, Greece. They came from Senegal, Burkina Faso, France, the United Kingdom and Australia, meeting for the first time as they boarded a boat to the island that was to become their home.
They came together to explore how music moves across borders, following global migration patterns and bringing unique sets of knowledge and stories along for the ride. They sought to use music as a way to understand their different experiences of the world, and to ask:
“How does music carry us home?”
Artists
Ajak Kwai
South Sudan
Dyspora
South Sudan
The Resonant Heart
Australia
Nū
Ethiopia
Gordan Koang
South Sudan
We envision a music scene in which culturally and linguistically diverse artists are welcomed, supported and valued for their contribution. This will be an industry, and a society, that recognises the value of cultural diversity and the enormous benefit it brings to both our arts and our community as a whole. Such a society will be understanding and empathetic toward individuals with different stories to tell, and make them feel welcomed and valued. This society will work together harmoniously for the benefit of all.
Music in Exile is a not-for-profit. With your generosity, we can continue to elevate culturally and linguistically diverse voices in the Australian music scene.
Paid opportunities for individuals
Estimated audience reach
Revenue generated from our activities
Upcoming Events
Oct 02 2026
Music in Exile turns 6!
114 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia, AU
The Grace Darling Hotel
Oct 02 2026
6 Years Of Music In Exile!
Naarm/Melbourne, Australia
The Grace Darling Hotel
Celebrating diversity in music
Bringing you mixes and stories
Artists around the world
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Our flagship program here at Music in Exile is the Artist Accelerator Program (AAP), a music incubator focused on welcoming artists with lived experience of migration or displacement into the Australian arts community.
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