Melbourne Conservatorium of Music lecturer wins at the Asia Pacific Arts Awards

Five people stand in a line, one holding a traditional First Nations musical instrument — Sunny Kim (left) with other members of the Hand to Earth ensemble. Image credit: Oli Sansom.

Lecturer in Jazz and Improvisation Sunny Kim from the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, together with her music ensemble Hand to Earth, has been awarded the Inspire Award at the 2026 Asia Pacific Arts Awards.

Hand to Earth is an ensemble fusing contemporary and ancient music traditions. It comprises five members: Sunny Kim, Peter Knight, Aviva Endean, and Wagilak manikay songmen Daniel Wilfred and David Wilfred.

“I first met Daniel and David at an artist residency in Tasmania nearly a decade ago. What began as a musical exchange grew into a deep and ongoing collaboration grounded in trust, listening, and mutual respect." Sunny said.

"Working alongside First Nations songmen has profoundly shaped my artistic life and understanding of this place. This award recognises not only our music, but the long-term commitment and care that intercultural collaboration requires.”

Organised by Creative Australia, the Asia Pacific Arts Awards recognise Australian-based artists, collectives and organisations whose work demonstrates long-term commitment to creative collaboration across the Asia-Pacific region.