ABOUT
Launceston Improvised Music Association (LIMA) was formed in 2020, because we are a hopeful bunch! We exist to strengthen, nurture, and unite musicians in Launceston through shared improvised music experiences.
We are currently self-funding, and with previous support from Arts Tasmania, City Of Launceston Community Grant Funding, Live Music Australia and a team of volunteers we have established and continue to present a diverse program. This includes facilitating Free For All, a weekly community music-in-the-moment event at Sawtooth ARI Gallery open to all (no experience necessary), presenting improvised music performances at various locations, running Improvised Music Workshops, and in November 2024 presented for the third time the “World’s Smallest Improvised Music Festival” in Launceston.
Association Office Bears (Bearers)
President | Spike Mason
Vice President | Sonja Hindrum
Secretary | Suzanne Turner
Treasurer | Karen Hall
Public Officer | Stephen Foster
Minute Secretary | Jon Addison
President – Spike Mason
Spike is a musician. He spends his days travelling around the countryside lifting people’s spirits with improvised melodies. When he’s not doing that he’s sitting in his studio and thinking about, and researching, those melodies for his PhD. He and his wife Lilia started “Free For All” 20 years ago, and even after all that time it’s still as fresh and life giving as it was in the beginning. https://spikemason.com
Things you may not know about Spike: Spike Mason is the president of many improvised music associations including LIMA, the group formally known as LIMA and the friends of LIMA fan club. His extensive presidential work makes him an excellent candidate for being the president of LIMA. For all presidential enquiries concerning LIMA and LIMA related matters please contact Spike Mason’s personal secretary, his dog Bruno. ( or try the contact form on this website!)
Vice President - Sonja Hindrum
Sonja Hindrum is a Launceston-based multimedia artist and designer whose practice spans site-specific artworks, interactive installations, and innovative costume design. Following her Fashion Design degree from RMIT in the early 90s, Sonja's work was featured in Vogue Australia before she designed costumes for numerous national and international theatre and dance companies.
Her artistic journey has evolved through solo and group exhibitions both nationally and internationally, including showing alongside Patricia Piccinini and Svenja Kratz in 'M/Others and Future Humans' at Testing Grounds, Melbourne (2018).
Sonja's recent work explores human connections through an Art [Science] lens. Her completed PhD research investigated the materiality of bacterial cellulose, culminating in her creation of the 'More Than Human Orchestra'—a bacterial cellulose instrument. This work has been performed at MONA FOMA, Junction Arts Festival, Ten Days on the Island, and the Festival of Bright Ideas.
Her bacterial cellulose prototypes have also featured at Melbourne Design Week, demonstrating her commitment to interdisciplinary approaches that bridge art, science, and community engagement. Sonja continues her academic connection as an affiliate with the School of Architecture & Design (SoDA-UTAS).
Secretary – Suzanne Turner
Performer, Educator, Improvisor, Collaborator Suzanne has been part of the Launceston music community for over 35 years. As a violin and clarinet player she has performed with many ensembles, most recently the Launceston Philharmonic Orchestra, chamber ensemble “Camerata Obscura”, and quartet “Bits of String”.
She is one of the very fortunate owners and caretakers of a Garry Greenwood playable leather sculpture (Bass Bowhorn) and has performed with the Chordwainers and Tasmanian Leather Orchestra at Festivals including Junction Arts and Mona Foma, and other events. A love of the art form of musical improvisation and a passion for Community through the Arts has led to collaboration with other Launceston musicians to form LIMA. https://suzyturnermusic.com
Treasurer – Karen Hall
Public Officer - Stephen Foster
A music enthusiast, singer and guitarist with experience in governance, working within large organisations and supporting community.
Minute Secretary - Jon Addison
Founding Member and Mentor – Karlin Love
She is a contemporary ‘art music’ composer, improviser and performer, community provocateur, curator and producer in Tasmania, Australia. She works with the Launceston General Hospital and with MONA and MOFO as curator, performer and creator. Her research practice investigates musicians’ post-tertiary career development and the nature of creative practice. Over the years she has accumulated a few degrees (PhD, MA(hons), BMus, BA).
Karlin is perpetually looking for surprises: ‘Ooh! That’s bigger/deeper/wider than I’d thought!’ for herself, for performers, and for audiences; fostering openness that leads toward community and away from fear and oppression.
Other important LIMA people - everyone who joins us for a Free for All, a performance or workshop is an integral part of this community association. We are volunteer led and have many people on the team contributing. Special acknowledgment and thanks to Ian Chia, Bruce Innocent, Di Nailon OAM, Corey Gilham, Carmencita Palermo, Zara Sully, Caitlin Street, Megan Casey, Francesca Ruxton and Dave (Red) Basnett who have all shared their knowledge, skills and time to help build LIMA with us.
LIMA is the best Improvised Music Association Ever!