Blak thought, theory & analysis from so-called-Australia

EST 2023

STAUNCH. is an ongoing publication based in so-called-Australia for Blak thought, theory and analysis. Focusing on ideological discourse around Blakness, decolonisation and the practical application of Blak politics whilst living in the colony, STAUNCH. is about saying it with your whole chest.

interview, art, culture
May 26, 2026

From classroom activism to the National Gallery of Australia — in conversation with Aretha Brown

Inspired by the women in her life, Aretha Brown never accepted the limitations that the injustices in her home country intended to enforce upon her. Instead she spoke up using her voice, her art, her symbols and creative power to elevate her culture as an Aboriginal woman.

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Latest articles

Topic
interview, art, culture
May 26, 2026

From classroom activism to the National Gallery of Australia — in conversation with Aretha Brown

Inspired by the women in her life, Aretha Brown never accepted the limitations that the injustices in her home country intended to enforce upon her. Instead she spoke up using her voice, her art, her symbols and creative power to elevate her culture as an Aboriginal woman.

Read more
Review, feature, music, culture
May 20, 2026

Golden Plains Review

Golden Plains festival, held each March long weekend on Wadawurrung Country, brings together 12,000 friends and soon-to-be friends. This year in particular, as the world feels as though it is crumbling around us, there was a collective spirit of defiance and hope.

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feature, culture
May 18, 2026

The Oceans Between Us / De Oceans Tween We

As a Black American, there exists a space between me and my ancestors. In that gap are the missing lineages and languages, family trees and histories, culture and customs. My people could indeed be mistaken for a population adrift, without an anchor or destination.

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CULTURE, LITERATURE
May 18, 2026

Mob Guide to Sydney Writers' Festival

Sydney Writers’ Festival brings a broad community together to celebrate books, writing and ideas. It's also one of the biggest and best in the world (us Awesome Black team have been going for years). This year’s theme – Show Me The Truth – is an invitation to engage with the many ways writers bring the truth to life.

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April 16, 2026

RHODA ROBERTS – OBITUARY

This is the first obituary STAUNCH. has published. It is fitting that it is for Rhoda Roberts. Because without her, none of this would be possible.

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MUSIC
May 18, 2026

NEW BLAK MUSIC PLAYLISTS

Your go-to for new tracks from some of our favourite Blak artists updated monthly — now streaming on Tidal, Spotify and Amazon. Genre agnostic and always deadly.

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PODCAST
April 16, 2026

Announcing the STAUNCH. podcast

The STAUNCH. podcast and video series explores the creative journeys of musicians, artists and cultural leaders through slow, thoughtful conversations that uncover layers of storytelling and artistic expression. The first episode for 2026 is with Gomeroi musician Kobie Dee.

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MUSIC, REVIEW
March 6, 2026

LIVE REVIEW: MR RHODES AT THE TROCADERO ROOM

Mr Rhodes steps up and instantly injects such undeniable energy into the room it’s hard not to smile and catch a groove — out of nowhere the dance floor has filled.

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MUSIC, REVIEW
March 6, 2026

REVIEW: COOEE – MESSENGERS

Whilst the core of Cooee is the duo of Kirli Saunders and Mark Chester Harding, they have been able to build bigger worlds and community through song. The best projects bring the Mob along with them, and this is what Cooee is able to do so effortlessly — a community centred on Blak joy and self-expression.

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Awesome Black Studio acknowledges the Traditional Owners & Custodians of lands throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.