Author Identifier (ORCID)
Brigitta Scarfe: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3313-9151
Abstract
Objectives: First Nations musicians often describe live performance as a means of fostering social, cultural, and political change that shapes determinants of health (DoH) for First Nations Peoples. This study examined how audience experiences of First Nations live music events in Central Australia may influence those DoH–including intercultural understanding, social cohesion, and community wellbeing–and explored the durability of such effects over time. Design: Guided by an Indigenist mixed‑methods approach, we conducted a pilot survey at two arts festivals featuring diverse First Nations musicians, followed by optional six‑month “mini yarn” interviews to explore immediate and longer‑term audience experiences. Quantitative analyses included descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact test; qualitative data were thematically analysed and reviewed with community partners. Participants: Seventy‑eight audience members completed the survey. Most identified as non‑Indigenous (n = 69), with four identifying as Aboriginal or of mixed First Nations heritage. Participants represented a wide range of ages, genders, and sexual identities. Results: Respondents across cultural backgrounds reported positive social, emotional, and cultural effects. Non‑Indigenous attendees frequently described strengthened connections with First Nations communities, greater appreciation for First Nations cultures and languages, and motivation to support First Nations issues. Follow‑up yarns suggested that although some effects lessened, many participants reported sustained intercultural understanding or connection. Conclusion: Findings indicate that First Nations live music may influence social and cultural DoH by fostering intercultural understanding, allyship, and reconciliation‑oriented attitudes. The six‑month follow‑up underscores the value of examining both immediate and enduring impacts of live music on health and social cohesion.
Keywords
Australia, determinants of health, First Nations, Indigenous, music
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2026
Publication Title
Arts & Health
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
School
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)
Funding Information
Australian Research Council 2021-2024 IN210100044.
Grant Number
ARC Number : IN210100044
Grant Link
https://dataportal.arc.gov.au/NCGP/Web/Grant/Grants#/20/1//IN210100044/
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Comments
Sunderland, N., Apps, K., Scarfe, B., Zhang, P., Garvey, D., Cooper, R., Bartleet, B., Graham, P., & Barry, G. (2026). Health determinant effects of audience experiences at live First Nations music events in Central Australia. Arts & Health. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/17533015.2026.2673114