Grace Mensforth
Grace Mensforth is a graduate from the Elder Conservatorium of Music and School of Performing Arts at Adelaide University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Performance) (Advanced).
Grace is a musician, songwriter and storyteller living and creating on Kaurna land. She creates and releases original music under her artist name, Grace Vandals, and performs locally and nationally with her band and as a member of the Adelaide-based alternative rock band, The Empty Threats.
Unabashedly emotional, eclectic, and full of the mortal notions of risk, love and loss, Grace Vandals delivers you into a rich and gritty world of sound, coated in an unexpected outer layer of tenderness. Grace Vandals and her band share an open desire for unravelling perfection and embracing the unusual. Liberation to dive deep, explore sounds, make mistakes and enjoy the process is what drives her.
Grace Mensforth, Helpmann Academy Fellowship 2024 recipient.Helpmann’s support has significantly expanded my realm of possibilities, allowing me to make valuable connections with industry professionals and access resources and opportunities that would otherwise be out of my reach. Along with its financial support, the Helpmann Academy has provided me with mentorship and guidance, assisting me to gain clarity on my specific career goals.
- 2022
Co-founds Home Body Records
2022Performs as part of Helpmann Academy’s A Night of Jazz event
- 2022
Receives Helpmann Academy Award for Outstanding Vocalist at A Night of Jazz Value: $2,000
- 2022
Attends Helpmann Academy Masterclasses with Vince Jones Value: $2,000
- 2023
Releases debut album, Console Me with her band, Tell Mama
2023Performs as part of Helpmann Academy’s A Night of Jazz event
- 2023
Receives Helpmann Academy Award for Voice at A Night of Jazz Value: $5,000
- 2023
Attends Helpmann Academy Masterclasses with Jazzmeia Horn Value: $4,000
- 2023
Attends Write on the Money Workshop Value: $2,000
- 2024
Receives Helpmann Academy Fellowship to support her collaborating with industry professionals to create and execute an impactful brand and release campaign for her debut EP Value: $7,500
- 2024
Performs as part of A Night of Jazz Alumni Showcase, as part of a civic reception hosted by the Lord Mayor of Adelaide in the Queen Adelaide Room, Adelaide Town Hall Value: $1,000
- 2024
Performs as part of Chihuly Nights, a unique partnership between Helpmann and The Adelaide Botanic Gardens to provide music activations Value: $500
- 2025
First international tour, European/UK tour with the band, The Empty Threats
- 2025
Performs at Hyde & Seek Street Festival, Adelaide and High Fever Festival Vol. 2, Macclesfield
- 2026
Performs at WOMADelaide, Adelaide
- 2026
Releases single, KNUCKLES, Melbourne
$24K +
value in support and
opportunities from
Helpmann Academy
- 2022
Co-founds Home Body Records
- 2022
Performs as part of Helpmann Academy’s A Night of Jazz event
- 2022
Receives Helpmann Academy Award for Outstanding Vocalist at A Night of Jazz Value: $2,000
- 2022
Attends Helpmann Academy Masterclasses with Vince Jones Value: $2,000
- 2023
Releases debut album, Console Me with her band, Tell Mama
- 2023
Performs as part of Helpmann Academy’s A Night of Jazz event
- 2023
Receives Helpmann Academy Award for Voice at A Night of Jazz Value: $5,000
- 2023
Attends Helpmann Academy Masterclasses with Jazzmeia Horn Value: $4,000
- 2023
Attends Write on the Money Workshop Value: $2,000
- 2024
Receives Helpmann Academy Fellowship to support her collaborating with industry professionals to create and execute an impactful brand and release campaign for her debut EP Value: $7,500
- 2024
Performs as part of A Night of Jazz Alumni Showcase, as part of a civic reception hosted by the Lord Mayor of Adelaide in the Queen Adelaide Room, Adelaide Town Hall Value: $1,000
- 2024
Performs as part of Chihuly Nights, a unique partnership between Helpmann and The Adelaide Botanic Gardens to provide music activations Value: $500
- 2025
First international tour, European/UK tour with the band, The Empty Threats
- 2025
Performs at Hyde & Seek Street Festival, Adelaide and High Fever Festival Vol. 2, Macclesfield
- 2026
Performs at WOMADelaide, Adelaide
- 2026
Releases single, KNUCKLES, Melbourne
$24K +
value in support and
opportunities from
Helpmann Academy