Ben Bulla, the 2022 recipient of the prestigious Robert Juniper Award for the Arts, recently returned from an inspiring journey to Spain, where he studied under renowned flamenco guitar master Marcelo Rubio. He returned to Australia brimming with enthusiasm and a renewed passion for his craft, eager to share the fruits of his experience with his community.

Our Winter Concert was more than a student concert; it was a testament to the transformative power of music education and the boundless potential of young talent. Bravo to all involved!

Join the talented music students from Guildford Grammar School, Eastern Hills Senior High School, and Helena College, with Special Guests for a Showcase of Extraordinary Talent. Scan the QR code for ticket info, or get your tickets at TRYBOOKING

RJAFTA 2022 Scholarship Recipient Ben Bulla excitedly departed for Spain last Tuesday morning. Ben is headed to Denia, a charming coastal town just south of Valencia on Spain’s eastern seaboard. Ben will immerse himself in the art of flamenco guitar under the guidance of Marcelo Rubio, a renowned flamenco master guitarist known for his expertise in accompanying flamenco dancers and singers. Over the next three weeks Ben will have the unique opportunity to study with Rubio, indulging in 90 minute lessons each day. In addition to his daily lessons, Ben will also be assigned home study skills to further enhance his learning experience.

RJAFTA Trustees are volunteers who bring essential skills and expertise to efficiently run our board. We have been incredibly fortunate to have had the support of two such Trustees, Maureen de la Harpe and Annika Moses, who have decided to step down and pursue new endeavors.

Applications for the Robert Juniper Award for the Arts 2024 are NOW OPEN. Contact us if you need help with your submission. Closes 30 September, 2024.

In a showcase of remarkable talent, this year's Robert Juniper Award for the Arts proudly unveils Jett Bieundurry, known by his stage name Kayps, as the recipient of the 2023 scholarship. After an intense evaluation of a formidable lineup of finalists, the adjudicators were captivated by Kayps' musical versatility, commitment to artistic expression, and passion for his craft.

The Annual RJAFTA Fundraising Schools Concert, held at Eastern Hills Senior High School’s exceptional performance space and facilities, was an extraordinary musical experience that left the audience in awe. The evening featured a diverse range of performances from Eastern Hills Senior High School and Guildford Grammar School that showcased the exceptional skills and talent of the performing students and their directors. The audience constantly had to remind themselves that these remarkable performances were being executed by students aged from Year 7 to Year 12.

On a recent electrifying evening, music aficionados and blues enthusiasts spilled into the Darlington Hall to witness a musical extravaganza featuring internationally acclaimed musician Dave Hole and his musical counterpart Glen Whisson (both Darlington residents). The stage was set for a journey into the heart of blues music, with both Whisson and Hole transporting the audience back in time to the roots of blues music, interspersing their expertly delivered soulful renditions with anecdotal narratives of blues greats, including obscure blues legends. . The combination of Hole's impeccable slide guitar skills with the steady rhythm playing of Whisson, plus both Hole’s and Whisson's captivating solo performances, made for an unforgettable night of blues magic.

The Robert Juniper Award for the Arts $10,000 scholarship serves as a significant stepping stone for emerging artists, offering them a chance to elevate their profile and enhance their present skills in various ways. The scholarship provides financial support that can be used to pursue specialised training, workshops, and masterclasses. This enables emerging artists to refine their craft, learn new techniques, and gain insights from established mentors. By participating in intensive workshops or masterclasses, artists can push the boundaries of their skills, gain exposure to different artistic perspectives, and expand their artistic horizons.

Most people know that the cutoff age for applicants submitting a project for the RJAFTA scholarship is 35 years old. Some people have asked us recently if there is a MINIMUM age, and after investigation it appears there is not!