The Clearly Music, Arts & Wellness Festival kicked off at The Pavilion today with the Clearer Workshops, an integral part of this new festival designed to provide aspiring musicians, performers, songwriters, rappers, producers, and DJs with invaluable industry knowledge and artist development advice.

Dom Ferber with Aunty Gwen and Mayor Neil Reilly - photo courtesy Brent Blackburn

The day was opened by Aunty Gwen with a welcome to country and a musically inspired speech from Mayor Neil Reilly and organisers Dom Ferber and Charlee Fraser. The smoking ceremony followed on the Pavilion verandah overlooking Surf Beach.

At the heart of the Clearer Workshop is a conference and collaborative learning experience that brings together industry leaders and artists from across the country, including a keynote speech later in the day by Peter Garrett (Frontman of Midnight Oil and Former Federal Government Minister). Panel discussions started with Michael Chugg (Frontier Touring/Chugg Music), interviewed by Lars Brandle (Brag Media) before Chugg crosses the ditch to NZ for the Robbie Williams concerts.

The dynamic workshop series showcases a wide range of industry expertise and insight.

In a joint statement, Clearly and Clearer founder Dom Furber and founder of Be Here Nowra and the Baseline Happiness Project, Barron Hanson, shared their intentions: "The Clearer workshops will provide emerging artists with a unique opportunity to gain industry insights, build valuable networks, and develop the skills needed to succeed in their careers. Through this exciting initiative, we are committed to supporting the growth of aspiring artists and fostering a sense of well-being and strength within the creative community."

Festival set up in progress

The Clearer Workshop will be followed tomorrow by the Clearly Music, Arts & Wellness Festival, which will debut its inaugural event. The festival will feature a three-stage, all-ages music festival in the iconic cliff top position in Kiama that is currently being set up.

Headlining the inaugural edition of Clearly, Arts & Wellness Festival on the main stage is a multitude of legendary Australian talent, including iconic singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Xavier Rudd, Australian music legend and frontman of Midnight Oil, Peter Garrett, ARIA-nominated surf and garage rock trio Skeggs, and critically acclaimed singer-songwriters Ruby Fields and Gretta Ray.

Co-founder of Clearly Music, Arts & Wellness Festival, Dom Furber, says: “I have always dreamed of delivering a festival of this scale locally since throwing my first event in Sydney Harbour in 2010. I was born in the area, attended primary school in Gerringong and high school in Kiama, so have close ties to the local community. Clearly Music, Arts & Wellness Festival and the Clearer Workshop will provide a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their talents and connect with audiences from all over. We can't wait to see the positive impact this festival will have on the community this year and in the years to come."

Lars Brandle interviewing Michael Chugg at The Pavilion in Kiama

For more information: https://www.clearlyfestival.com/