Matt Wlson
Generations is a fellowship program in partnership with Sound NSW, Powerhouse Museum and Blacktown Arts to support Western Sydney (early career) contemporary musicians/bands and their development within the NSW music industry.
Applications open Monday 19 October and close 2pm Monday 16 November.
Two six-month fellowships will be supported:
- Fellowship 1 - February – July 2027
- Fellowship 2 - July 2027 – December 2027.
Western Sydney encompasses the following local government areas:
- Blacktown City Council
- Blue Mountains City Council
- Camden Council
- Campbelltown City Council
- Canterbury-Bankstown Council
- City of Parramatta Council
- Cumberland Council
- Fairfield City Council
- Hawkesbury City Council
- Liverpool City Council
- Penrith City Council
- Wollondilly Shire Council
To be eligible applicants must self-identify as an early career contemporary musician, songwriter or music producer. An early career musician is unsigned and does not have professional representation across label or publishing.
As part of the fellowship, successful recipients will receive $25,000 to support the creation and recording of new music, the development of promotional materials, career development opportunities, and the purchase of equipment.
Recipients will also receive:
- access to mentoring from two Sound NSW industry assessors with significant experience in the music industry
- a six-month residency at a recording studio provided by Blacktown Arts (Blacktown) and/or Powerhouse Museum (Parramatta).
You can request funding to purchase equipment essential to your music career, but to a maximum of $5,000. Equipment can include instruments, hardware and software.
Yes, but any changes must be pre-approved by Sound NSW and comply with the funding agreement’s terms.
No. You can only submit 1 application for Generations Western Sydney Music Fellowship.
No, all members of an act must be considered early-career to be eligible.
Artists, acts, industry professionals and organisations with a primary focus in the below artforms are not supported through Sound NSW:
- experimental music and sound art
- contemporary classical, opera, choral and ensembles
- music theatre
- working in and with community music groups.
These applicants should refer to Create NSW’s Arts and Cultural Funding Program (ACFP) guidelines.
Grants may be considered part of your income and may be subject to tax. You must determine your own taxation responsibilities. We suggest you consult your financial adviser or contact the Australian Taxation Office on 13 28 66.
The NSW Government is committed to ensuring artists are paid fairly for live performance. If you are employing artists to perform live as any part of your grant, Sound NSW expects all artists to receive a $250 minimum payment (plus superannuation) for each artist. You can read more about this minimum fee for government funded shows at Musicians Australia.
Superannuation is a Commonwealth legislative requirement administered by the Australian Taxation Office.
More information related to the obligations of the new superannuation requirements can be found at About Payday Super - Superannuation Changes | Australian Taxation Office.
MusicNSW is the peak body for contemporary music in New South Wales. Their website has some great advice about Payday Super, including FAQs and a flow chart.