Girls Rock! Aotearoa has been helping young women, transgender, intersex, and gender diverse youth form bands, build instrument skills, and write original songs since 2018. Supported by our Next Gen Fund, Girls Rock! Aotearoa creates an inclusive, fun, and supportive space for young people, to make music and be themselves.
The team are proud to announce that the Tāmaki Makaurau programme is back for 2022 with a new name: To The Front Tāmaki Makaurau. The name change comes in order to better recognise and emphasise the diverse nature of the programme. Girls Rock! organiser Ali Burns explains:
“Given the holiday programme is neither just for girls or just about rock music we decided a rebrand was in order to ensure everyone involved felt absolutely welcome and comfortable.”
Girls Rock! Aotearoa launched with the kaupapa of fostering inclusivity in our musical communities by starting at the grassroots; with our rangatahi.
A recent report released by Massey University researchers found that “more than two-thirds of women in the music community (70.1 per cent) reported experiencing bias, disadvantage or discrimination based on their gender – seven times the rate of men (10 per cent).”
What does the programme look like?
Participants aged 12 – 17 learn instruments, form bands, write original songs, and perform at a showcase, all guided by professional musicians in an inclusive environment. Alongside collaborative learning, participants will take part in workshops about DIY merch, mindfulness, and performance skills.
To The Front Tāmaki Makaurau 2022 will be held between January 10th and 15th. Applications for participants, mentors, volunteers, and interns open September 15th.
Girls Rock Aotearoa presents: To the Front Tāmaki Makaurau 2022 – YouTube