How is the Gurrumul Yunupingu Foundation different to other Foundations?
A: The Gurrumul Yunupingu Foundation supports young Indigenous people to become involved in arts and cultural programs, by identifying the skills that young people already have, what they are passionate about and building from there. Programs that focus on the strengths of young people in remote communities are more likely to have positive outcomes than those based on a deficit model.
The Foundation generally works in remote Indigenous communities where there are already longstanding relationships with community members. The collaboration that results from these relationships ensures that the Foundation’s programs always take into account the particular needs of a community, including local differences in economy, culture and social cohesion.
The importance of sustaining relationships in remote Indigenous communities is central to the success of the Foundation’s programs. Because of this, the Foundation will not implement a program unless it has the capacity to support it for at least three years.
Are the Gurrumul Yunupingu Foundation’s programs mainly associated with music?
A: No. The Foundation’s programs cover all artforms including traditional and contemporary cultural aspects. Barunga Beats is a music- based program that has been running now for five years and is the Foundation’s longest running program. Other programs include Kids Circus Skills and the Young Women’s Self Esteem Program. Further information about these programs appear on this website.
Does the Gurrumul Yunupingu Foundation work with programs outside of the Northern Territory?
A: Currently the Foundation is only working on programs in the Northern Territory, concentrating on initiatives from Arnhemland, associated islands off the Arnhemland coast, and the Katherine region.
Is the Gurrumul Yunupingu Foundation funded by the Federal or Northern Territory Governments?
A: The Foundation does not receive operational funding from any Australian Government. However, some of the Foundation’s programs have received funding from the Northern Territory and Australian Governments, and from the Australia Council. The remaining programs are funded by philanthropists, philanthropic trusts and public donations. The Foundation is a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) and a Tax Concession Charity (TCC). To find out more about the legal status of the Foundation you can read the Foundation’s constitution which appears on this website.
How can I volunteer to assist with the work of the Gurrumul Yunupingu Foundation?
A: The Foundation does not have mechanisms for supporting volunteers to assist with its work. At this stage the best thing people can do is to spread the word about the Foundation, its vision and its aims. You could use the Foundation’s website and Facebook page to give you up to date news to circulate.
Does the Gurrumul Yunupingu Foundation provide funding to individual Indigenous young people?
A: Consistent with Gurrumul’s own wishes, his Foundation only funds Indigenous community-initiated arts and cultural programs. These programs must be developed with the community.
What is Gurrumul’s role in the Foundation?
A: The Foundation is dedicated to Gurrumul’s vision, which is why it bears his name. He expressed some years ago that he wanted to find a way to help young Indigenous people who live in remote communities. Aware of his own good fortune, he wanted to support young Indigenous people to become involved in arts and cultural programs, developed in collaboration with leaders and young people in their communities with the aim of making a serious difference in alleviating the damaging effects of poverty, ill health and substance abuse, disadvantage, lack of education and employment opportunities, cyber bullying and youth suicide.