In a powerful display of solidarity, some of Australia's most compelling musical voices came together for a major fundraising event in support of Gaza. The concert, titled 'A Gathering for Gaza', transformed Melbourne's Forum theatre into a hub of artistic resistance and humanitarian action on a recent Saturday night.
Artistic Voices Amplify a Cause
The event was headlined by a stellar lineup of ARIA Award-winning and nominated artists. The magnetic Genesis Owusu brought his electrifying stage presence, while the deeply introspective songwriting of Julia Jacklin resonated through the hall. They were joined by the powerful vocals of Angie McMahon and the compelling sounds of Megan Washington and Kaiit.
Beyond the music, the night featured poignant spoken word performances. Palestinian poet Mohammed El Muhammed and Indigenous artist Alice Skye delivered moving pieces, weaving together narratives of displacement, resilience, and shared struggle. The event was skilfully hosted by writer and broadcaster Hannah Reich.
A Night of Fundraising and Conscious Programming
The primary goal of the gathering was unequivocal: to raise significant funds for humanitarian aid. Organisers directed proceeds to Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), a charity providing critical medical services in the region. In a thoughtful move, the event also partnered with AusPal, a initiative which redirects a portion of ticket revenue from events featuring artists who have expressed support for Palestine towards the same cause.
Consciousness extended to the curation of the evening itself. Performers and attendees were asked to refrain from sharing content on social media from the event, a decision made to protect the safety of artists and their families from potential backlash. This careful planning underscored the complex realities of speaking out on the issue.
Music as a Unifying Force for Resistance
The performances themselves became acts of solidarity. Julia Jacklin performed a haunting cover of Palestinian Mai Masri's 'We Are From There', a song rooted in longing for homeland. Genesis Owusu's set was a dynamic explosion of energy, deliberately focused on creating a collective, cathartic experience for the audience.
For the artists, participation was a moral imperative. Angie McMahon spoke of the duty to use her platform, while Julia Jacklin expressed a desire to move beyond social media paralysis into tangible action. The organisers, including booker Lachlan McLeod, framed the concert as a necessary response to a devastating crisis, positioning art as a fundamental form of resistance and community building in dark times.
The success of 'A Gathering for Gaza' demonstrates the potent role cultural spaces can play in global solidarity movements. It proved that a music venue can temporarily become a space for fundraising, political expression, and the forging of human connection around a shared call for peace and humanitarian relief.
