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Sound NSW’s latest batch of grants total $9.3 million in funding for local musicians, representing the “biggest ever” package of its kind.
The 2024/2025 Sound NSW grants include two new funds designed to boost First Nations artists, and a new industry development fund that backs organisations crucial to building skills, networks and new collaborations.
Also, there’s a renewed focus for regional music with 29% of the Contemporary Music Development Grants and 30% of the Touring and Travel Fund going to regional recipients, according to a statement from the Minns Labor Government.
“After some challenging years, we’re working to build the NSW music industry one band, one venue, one tour at a time,” remarks John Graham, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, in a statement.
“This year’s grants put particular focus on First Nations music, regional artists and some of the crucial organisations that foster talent and industry development. For this industry to grow, we have to support the ecosystem and that’s what these grants do.”
The funding, the latest action from the NSW Government’s 10-year Contemporary Music Strategy, is spread across three key programs:
- Contemporary Music Development Grants: $4.2 million to support 71 artists and organisations to record new music, collaborate and deliver professional development programs.
- Recording, Content and Promotion: $641,233 for 25 artists and acts to create, record and promote new music, including DMAs, Hermitude, Middle Kids, The Rubens, MAY-A and Jack River.
- First Nations Creative and Professional Development (new fund): $575,313 for 21 First Nations artists and acts to create, record and promote new music, including Dan Sultan, BARKAA, Becca Hatch, 3%, Nooky, Mi-kaisha, Kobie Dee for recording new music.
- First Nations Industry Development (new fund): $600,000 for 4 First Nations-led organisations to deliver sector development projects for First Nations communities, including Mad Proppa Deadly Indigenous Corporation for regional artists development, We Are Warriors Creative Workshops and Awesome Black Studio.
- Industry Development (new fund): $2.4 million for 21 organisations to deliver sector development projects, including FBi Radio for creative and presenter development and Accessible Arts to coordinate a songwriting program for disabled artists.
- Touring and Travel Fund: $1.8 million to provide critical support for 144 artists and industry professionals including Hayden James for a US tour, SPEED performing at Coachella, total tommy for their debut UK/EU tour, Sarah Blasko for a UK/EU tour, Kita Alexander for a national support tour with Dua Lipa.
- Strategic Funding program: $3.25 million to support the delivery of 10 key initiatives that will provide significant outcomes for the NSW music industry including an Australian Women in Music regional delegates program, APRA regional and songwriting workshops and the Australian Festivals Association for a best practice festival safety guide.
“From regional tours and international collaborations to strategic initiatives that will drive change,” says Emily Collins, Head of Sound NSW, “these programs are an investment in the sustainability and long-term success of NSW music.”
The Minns Government swept into office in 2023 with pledges to reinvigorate the music community in Sydney and the state of New South Wales, which lost footing thanks to a combination of lockout policies, overregulation of live music venues, onerous licensing regimes applied to music festivals and more.
Since then, officials, through Sound NSW, a dedicated office committed to the growth, development and promotion of contemporary music, the state government has launched the NSW Music Prize, Australia’s largest cash music prize with $160,000 distributed three categories, including $80,000 for first prize; introduced “Michael’s Rule” incentives for international touring artists to book local support, and more.
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