Musicians and industry professionals across NSW are now eligible to benefit from the $4 million Minns Labor Government initiative designed to fuel the growth of local acts and music organisations.
The new Contemporary Music Development Grants have four tailored programs, designed to address key areas of need and opportunity in the music industry.
The landmark funding program has been designed to supercharge the careers of artists, energise music organisations, and ensure First Nations creatives continue to lead the way in shaping the sounds of tomorrow.
- First Nations Industry Development Grants: Funding of up to $150,000 is available to support industry-led programs and resources that build capacity of First Nations artists, industry professionals and music businesses, address best practice and emerging trends, promote First Nations music in NSW and deliver research and advocacy.
- First Nations Creative and Professional Development Grants: Funding of up to $30,000 is available to support First Nations artists and acts in NSW to create, record and promote new music and original contemporary music, undertake professional development opportunities and purchase equipment essential to their music career.
- Industry Development Grants: Funding of up to $150,000 is available to support the development and delivery of upskilling programs for artists, industry workers and businesses; to build the profile of the NSW music industry; deliver international partnerships and trade missions; and encourage contemporary music in schools.
- Recording, Content and Promotion Grants: Funding of up to $30,000 is available to support NSW artists and acts to create, record and promote new and original music, connecting NSW artists and industry professionals to the world.
Applications for Sound NSW’s Contemporary Music Development Grants will open 3 February.
Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, John Graham said:
“The Contemporary Music Development Grants are about more than just funding; they are about rewriting the songbook for NSW music.
“This new $4 million program is an investment in the state’s creative future and reflects the Government’s commitment to growing a thriving music industry across the state.
“NSW is home for more than 50% of the Australian record labels. The Contemporary Music Development Grants will be a game-changer for the entire sector - and will help grow our next generation of talent, from nurturing First Nations talent to supporting bold new music and ambitious industry projects.”
About Sound NSW
Established in 2023, Sound NSW is a dedicated office committed to the growth, development and promotion of contemporary music in NSW.
The state’s new 10-year Contemporary Music Strategy provides a blueprint to stabilise the NSW music industry’s foundations, cultivate growth and support its expansion through targeted initiatives and programs, and cement NSW’s place as a global powerhouse for contemporary live music.
The Contemporary Music Development Grants complement the current suite of Sound NSW programs:
- The Touring and Travel Fund supports domestic and international touring and travel for artists, acts and industry professionals;
- Venue Upgrade Grants support live music venues to undertake upgrades and commission expert reports for future work; and
- the Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund alleviates short-term financial challenges for large-scale music festivals.