Briggs ProfileThe Adam Briggs Foundation has revived the essential Barpirdhila Grant, an initiative developed to assist First Nations artists navigate the turbulent music industry as they embark on creative endeavours.
The grant was launched in 2022 to support First Nations artists affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Successful applicants received support of up to $10,000 to help release their music.
In 2026, the Barpirdhila Grant has a state-based focus. The program is seeking applications from First Nations artists across Victoria, offering $10,000 to successful applicants to go towards releasing music – just like in its first year.
“Always excited to see the next generation of artists with what they are creating and always happy to support their journey,” Adam Briggs said.
He continued, “I am extremely proud of the work we have done in the past and will endeavour to do more of this in the future. Our support via the Adam Briggs Foundation and, by extension, Bad Apples Music has never wavered, and we have a commitment to artists and human-made art.”
Participants can submit applications via either a written essay or video entry. Applications are now open and close on Monday, 30 November. Successful applicants will be revealed on Monday, 21 December.
You can apply for the Barpirdhila Grant here.
To be successful in obtaining the Barpirdhila Grant, applicants must be actively working on a forthcoming music-related project. Approved grant funding will go towards production or promotion of an artist’s work, including studio hire, mixing and mastering, merchandise manufacturing, music videos, album artwork, or publicity.
The Adam Briggs Foundation has curated a judging panel of music industry professionals to help select the winning artists. Briggs himself will be joined by music journalist Sosefina Fuamoli, author and Camp Cope bassist Kelly-Dawn Hellmrich, Northside Records’ Chris Gill, and Fuzzy Operations’ Adelle Robinson.
Previous recipients of the grant include Radical Son, Alice Skye, Jada Weazel, dameeeela, Becca Hatch, Wildheart, Canisha, Aodhan, and more. Barpirdhila dedicates at least 50% of its distributed grants to female-identifying artists, who are traditionally underrepresented in the music industry.
The Music caught up with Briggs earlier this year to discuss his new hardcore punk-inspired project, BIG NOTER.
Discussing the songs that tackle “lazy myths and deep-seated racism” towards Aboriginal people in Australia, Briggs reflected, “I got a lot of messages from a lot of blackfellas who love hardcore and heavy music, and they’re like, ‘Oh, thank fuck. Like, thank you.’ And I’m like, ‘Man, yeah, everything’s up for grabs. I’m glad it helps, that’s all.”
