Bunjil Place brings world-class jazz to Casey through new festival partnership

What happens when global artists, local audiences and creative collaboration come together?

Bunjil Place has joined forces with the Melbourne International Jazz Festival to bring more live music and internationally renowned artists to Casey.

Launching this October as part of the 2026 Melbourne International Jazz Festival, the program will bring three standout events to Bunjil Place. From 2027, the partnership will expand through a formal three-year commitment that supports Australian artists via CrossCurrents: National Jazz Commission, a $40,000 annual fund dedicated to creating new jazz, improvised and contemporary music projects in collaboration with international artists.

Each year, one new project developed at Bunjil Place will be supported to premiere at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, creating opportunities for artists to develop ambitious new work and build global connections.

The October program includes:

Making its world premiere, Saltwater Sugar by the Australian Art Orchestra blends jazz and hip hop in a large ensemble work exploring the history of people and place. Featuring award-winning R&B vocalist Ngaiire and hip hop artist Joelistics, the performance offers a contemporary take on jazz through powerful storytelling and genre-crossing collaboration.
Created in partnership with Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York, Young Monk celebrates the music and legacy of jazz pioneer Thelonious Monk. Featuring Grammy-nominated pianist Joey Alexander, the project brings together emerging Melbourne musicians and one of jazz's leading young artists to reimagine Monk's influential compositions for contemporary audiences.
One of South Africa's most respected and influential hip hop artists, Stogie T, will make a rare Australian appearance and lead a workshop for aspiring artists, creating opportunities for connection, learning and creative exchange.

Together, these events showcase the many forms jazz can take, weaving together influences from soul, hip hop, R&B and contemporary music while connecting local audiences with artists from around the world.

Melbourne International Jazz Festival CEO and Festival Director Hadley Agrez said the partnership would help artists create ambitious new work and build international connections.

"Together with Bunjil Place, we're creating a platform for artists to dream big, build meaningful international connections and develop bold new work that can reach audiences here in Casey and beyond," Mr Agrez said.

For more information and to book, check out the full program below.

Music