Michael Sollis
Inspiring CreativityHow does creativity and the arts inspire you to see the world differently?
Greetings! On this site you can explore how I have worked with arts organisations, schools and communities to spark creativity and transform how we value the arts. Discover how I have done this through my work as an artistic director and creator. Find out about my work in leading arts education programs, as a teaching artist, and as a speaker promoting creative thinking. You can also read about some of my current projects, and discover my body of works as an Australian composer.
I am grateful to be living on Ngunnawal land, born in Canberra, the National Capital of Australia, and work across Australia and internationally.
Michael.
What I Do
Artistic Director and Creator
Commission Michael to develop new artistic works with deep impact.
Photo: Barkly Arts
Arts Educator & Teaching Artist
Discover the creative potential of your school, community, or workplace.
Photo: Musica Viva Australia
Speaker and Advocate
Influence how we see education, arts practice, and creativity.
Photo: Peter Hislop
About Michael
Michael creates captivating artistic journeys by sharing diverse worldviews with curious people, inviting audiences to discover and question the world around them. As a composer, artistic director, and mandolinist, Michael has had a unique impact on the Australian music scene. This has included his work as founder, composer, and director of the acclaimed Griffyn Ensemble, and the very first Artistic Director, Education for Musica Viva Australia – working with Australia’s finest musicians to give over 280,000 students every year the best opportunity to discover music and creativity.
Photo: Keith Saunders
Regarded as one of Australia’s foremost teaching artists, Michael supports educators, arts organisations, communities and businesses to create lasting change through creativity and the arts. Michael’s approach enables people of all ages and backgrounds to discover their own unique creative pathway. He also speaks at conferences and forums to communicate the importance of creativity and arts advocacy.
Michael’s research into music and language has been published by ANU E-Press and the Australian Journal of Linguistics. Michael is managed by Claire Henry.
“Sollis’ career has been meteoric.”
Nick Fuller
“A prominent figure on Australia’s musical landscape”
Australian Music Centre“… willing to take risks, and it is always interesting”
Graham McDonaldArtistic Director and Creator
How can new artistic work offer unique perspectives for audiences and co-creators? I regularly partner with organisations and individuals to create music, live performance and film that shares diverse human stories with a social impact.
Arts Education and Teaching Artistry
What does the creative potential of your classroom, community or organisation look like? As one of Australia’s leaders in teaching artistry, I will work with you to activate unique creative pathways, promote enhanced learning, out-of-the-box thinking and innovative ideas.
Speaker and Advocate
What is the future value of the arts, education and creativity? I share my own experience, alongside cutting-edge ideas and research to encourage listeners to question their own assumptions, discover new ideas, and cause creative change.
Reach Me
Belconnen Arts Centre
118 Emu Bank
Belconnen
ACT 2617, Australia
+61 411 113 769
contact@michaelsollis.com