Artists of Colour Initiative winner announced

AOC-Martha-BerhaneFour months ago, the Artists of Colour Initiative was nothing but an idea in founder Tarik Frimpong’s head. Since then, it has deepened the conversation regarding the lack of racial diversity within the Australian theatre industry while simultaneously championing, celebrating, supporting and connecting Bla(c)k, Indigenous and People of Colour artists in Australia.

“I am so proud of everything the Initiative has achieved thus far. I am grateful for every applicant who submitted for the inaugural competition, the panelists and amazing team behind the scenes without whom none of this would be possible,” says Frimpong.

“Lastly, I am grateful for everyone who has supported the cause either by donating or spreading the word online. Founding the AOC Initiative was me stepping into my power; knowing that I was capable of more than what I had previously done.”

Of the 60+ applications, 30 semi-finalists were chosen and today, the AOC Initiative is proud to announce the 2020 winner: Martha Berhane.

Berhane is a proud Canadian-born Eritrean singer, dancer and actor who is passionate about the performing arts and immersing herself into various styles of art. Her love for theatre came from playing many roles across different musicals in school and her dancing came from growing up watching many dance movies.

“Wow! I’m honestly still so speechless and struggling to put into words how I feel right now,” says Berhane. My heart is full of gratitude and immense joy, and it is truly an honour to be chosen as the AOC Initiative winner by a panel of incredible people.”

“It has been a pleasure being a part of something so special alongside a beautiful community of POC artists. Thank you so much to everyone who supported me. Imma try not to cry again.”

Berhane wowed the AOC Initiative panel from day one with her artistic maturity and versatility. Panelist and musical theatre dynamo Bree Langridge says that she is thrilled Berhane is the inaugural winner.

“The six finalists are all standouts in their own right however Martha was grounded in all her work and committed to the truth of each piece,” says Langridge. “She is insanely talented and performed with such joy. She is a true musical theatre performer with the edge one needs in 2020!”

Rounding out the 2020 competition is runner up Grace Driscoll making Jarrod Draper, Lauren Cheok, Milo Hartill-Batsietswe and Raphael Wong the four finalists.

The growth from all the performers during this competition has propelled their careers and given them the confidence to be who they are without limitations. The formidable talent of the AOC Initiative artists has shown that the future of the Australian musical theatre industry is bright and unstoppable.

The AOC Initiative GoFundMe campaign has raised over $30,000 and will remain open until 11:59pm AEDT Tuesday 15 December. From there, Berhane will receive 50% of all donations, Driscoll will receive 20% of all donations and Draper, Cheok, Hartill-Batsietswe and Wong will each receive 7.5% of all donations.

In addition to the financial winnings, all six finalists will receive arts business mentorship from the team at Creative Plus Business (CPB) valued at $1,320 and receive a $100 voucher each from Energetiks.

There are also scholarships on offer for all AOC Initiative applicants to study at Village Nation Performing Arts, Patrick School of the Arts and Ministry of Dance. CPB are also donating four workshops to all of the AOC Initiative artists valued at $6,000 to upskill them in business.

“The AOC Initiative has reminded me of the power and importance of community, and it has once again shown me that indeed it is possible to make something out of nothing. The AOC Initiative will live on so stay tuned for further details,” says Frimpong.

The AOC Initiative is a scholarship competition designed to provide financial assistance and industry support to six exceptionally talented theatre performers based in Australia that identify as Bla(c)k, Indigenous or as People of Colour.

The Initiative was born from the recognition of underrepresentation of these communities in the Australian theatre industry. The aim of the scholarship is to ensure greater participation within the field of musical theatre amongst these marginalised communities.

The AOC Initiative was created by People of Colour for People of Colour fighting for change in the Australian musical theatre industry. For more information, visit: www.aocinitiative.com for details.

Image: Martha Berhane (supplied)