A community place

CASM quickly became known as a place to meet other Aboriginal people and have the opportunity to study music. Acting as a beacon attracting students from far and wide, it cemented itself as a place to collaborate across a spectrum of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lived-experiences.

For over 50 years CASM harnessed music for building and supporting the Indigenous community. For urban Aboriginal adults, CASM offered a unique educational experience.The growing number of students led to the establishment of Wirltu Yarlu in 1996, to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across all University programs.

CASM also supported Indigenous people through working with the Aṉangu community to revitalise the practice of their Inma (ceremonial song and dance) and to ensure stories and language are passed to younger generations and their value is more widely understood. CASM has shown the power of music to bridge the gap between Black and White communities. Over the years CASM has endeared itself to South Australians through extensive community performances. The uptake of modern popular music sky-rocketed recognition of CASM artists across Australia and even internationally.