WAAPA welcomes prestigious Forrest Creative Fellow, Dr Mary Rapp

First published by Edith Cowan University

Dr Rapp will be conducting her groundbreaking research at ECU's world-renowned Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). The Forrest Creative Fellowships are dedicated to fostering transformative research and creative practice that enrich Western Australia's cultural, social and intellectual landscape.

This year's recipients, Dr Rapp and participatory visual artist Lauri Parr, represent the innovative and visionary potential these fellowships are designed to support.

WAAPA and Dr Rapp: a perfect match

WAAPA is renowned as a hub for cutting-edge performing arts education and research. Dr Rapp's fellowship marks an exciting chapter for ECU, showcasing its commitment to fostering artistic innovation and community engagement. Her work will not only elevate WAAPA's standing but also contribute to the broader cultural narrative of Western Australia.

Dr Rapp's appointment is a testament to WAAPA's reputation as a beacon for creative excellence and ECU looks forward to witnessing the remarkable outcomes of her fellowship.

Exploring sound and space

Dr Rapp's research will focus on the acoustic properties of culturally significant sites across Western Australia. By exploring the interplay between music, timbre and physical space, she aims to create compositions that resonate with the unique characteristics of these environments. Her work will amplify and celebrate the identity of these spaces, fostering community engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration.

"Western Australia offers a rich tapestry of acoustic landscapes," Dr Rapp said.

"This fellowship is an incredible opportunity to dive deeply into these environments, not only to document their sonic properties but to celebrate and reimagine them through music."

Dr Rapp's research embodies WAAPA’s mission to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation in the performing arts.

A diverse musical journey

Dr Rapp's expertise spans jazz, classical, experimental and traditional Korean music. A cellist, double bassist and vocalist, she brings a unique and deeply exploratory approach to her work. Her site-specific compositions and sound designs have garnered international recognition, featured in theatres and galleries across Australia, the Middle East, the USA and Europe.

Her musical collaborations include renowned groups like the Australian Art Orchestra and Ensemble Offspring, as well as her own ensembles such as Folx and Napology.

Critics and collaborators alike have lauded her as a "phenomenal" talent, with the Sydney Morning Herald describing her work as electrifying and capable of "adding phenomenal weight and vigour" to any piece.

Peter Knight, Creative Director of the Australian Art Orchestra, praised her versatility: "Mary is exactly the kind of musician we are on the lookout for—she can play heavy notated music, create startling improvisations and is interested in everything."

Building a global knowledge hub

The Forrest Research Foundation, directed by Professor James Arvanitakis, emphasises the role of these fellowships in positioning Perth as a global centre of creative and intellectual excellence.

"We believe these fellowships will enhance the Western Australian arts sector," Professor Arvanitakis said. "Dr Rapp's work epitomises the innovative, collaborative spirit we seek to cultivate."

The Foundation, established in 2020, brings together over 60 exceptional scholars and fellows across diverse disciplines, from astrophysics to medicine, creating a vibrant intellectual community.

For further information about the Forrest Creative Fellowships and Dr Rapp's work, please visit the Forrest Research Foundation website. To experience her compositions firsthand, stay tuned for announcements from WAAPA and ECU.