As a not for profit event, the SPIRIT OF SOUL FESTIVAL provides a forum for discussion on mental health issues that would otherwise remain in the dark. Music is a wonderful vehicle to create this dialogue! On the Thursday and Friday, we will showcase the very best of Sydney's jazz, soul, funk, reggae and hip hop musicians! In addition to the music, the festival offers a unique range of fundraising activities for participants to openly discuss and expand their understanding of mental illness.

We open the festival with the launch of Sculpture With Soul at Reverse Garbage!

Promoting reuse and sustainability, Reverse Garbage have been at the forefront of helping to reduce landfill! Sculpture With Soul will be exhibiting the finalists of this competition of works that have successfully created works of art from that which would ordinarily be thrown out!

This exhibition will be showing for the entire week of the festival!

 What Touched My Soul is a photography exhibition, where we will exhibit the finalists of a competition held this year to raise awareness for mental health. 50% of all sales from this exhibition will be donated to Roomies Artspace in the inner west, who help facilitate art groups for those living in boarding houses with mental illness or a disability. We are excited to also announce that each beautiful photograph exhibited will be sold for $200 a piece to ensure an equal buying field.

Come to the OPENING on Oct 6th at the Chauvel Cinema Gallery, as we are expecting a SOLD OUT show!!

Other events include “ReSouled” - a music and memorabilia auction,"froDAY"- selling afro wigs to raise awareness for bipolar & depression and "Spirit of Soul Family Day" is a FREE event for the whole family that will have live music, art/music workshops, Barking Mad dog show, organic markets and the launch of our newest competition "Sculpture With Soul" that will be promoting reuse and sustainability.

SOS 2009 will centre our focus on schizophrenia, depression and bi-bolar disorder.

We celebrated our first SOS on the 18th-20th of January, 2008. Check out our library for photos and footage.

The Spirit of Soul Music Night on Thursday the 8th of Oct will see the arrival of internationally renown musician, producer and dj Mark de Clive-Lowe (MdCL) to join us for his only LIVE performance in Australia!! Mark will also be performing with SPECIAL GUEST Anthony David from Atlanta, U.S.A!!!

Our wonderful support of acts include Lauren Horton, Jane Irving, Budspells, Elchino feat AniKiko and host Vanessa Wagner!!

Tickets ON SALE NOW at MOSHTIX

There will be lots of wonderful events during the Spirit of Soul Festival 2009... so check out our PROGRAM page for more details!

“I have been personally affected with friends and family suffering from various mental illnesses, and endeavor as a promoter, to use music as a healing elixir for our community and its many facets of survival.” Fani Elisara, Festival Director

Speak and we shall rise... Dance and we shall love.... Sing and we shall celebrate.