Dutti Djarra - Alicia Dawn

Hailing from tropical North Queensland, Gimuy (Cairns), Alicia Dawn is a self-employed freelance artist who has been involved in the performing arts and creative industry since she was 16 years old. She identifies as a Birri Gubba, Umpila, and Jirrbal woman with cultural ties to Kuku Yalanji. Additionally, she belongs to the Gunina clan of Hanuabada village in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Alicia is currently based in Meeanjin/Magandjin (Brisbane).

Alicia's creativity is versatile, with a strong passion for textile arts, performing arts, visual art, and storytelling. At the age of 22, she toured and recorded with Xavier Rudd and the United Nations as a backing vocalist for Xavier Rudd’s 7th studio album "Nanna," which marked a significant highlight in her career. While she initially gained recognition as a backing vocalist in early 2015, she also showcases her talent as one of the few black female bass players. Alicia Dawn has toured and performed with leading Australian artists, including Blue King Brown, Jessica Mauboy, Fred Leone, Deline Briscoe, Urthboy, Uncle Joe Geia, Kristal West, Solchld, Badassmutha, and was one-third of the all-female trio 'Lomandra'.

In 2011, she played a lead role in the theatre production 'Stolen,' directed by the award-winning actress and director Leah Purcell AM. Alicia also starred in 'Up the Ladder' and 'Stradbroke Dreamtime,' both directed by Wesley Enoch. From 2012 to 2016, Alicia traveled through remote First Nations communities, facilitating and delivering music workshops at 'Creative Tracks,' a youth program aimed at empowering young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals through creative arts.

Her journey as a visual artist has undergone various stages, starting her career in Gimuy (Cairns) by showcasing her work through exhibitions and market stalls, pioneering a unique style and technique. Alicia draws inspiration from her country, the stages of grief, and the art of giving and receiving in its many forms.

Presently, Alicia works in the live music and entertainment industry, manages a First Nations art gallery, serves as a session musician, and creates beautiful pieces for Dutti Djarra.