Inertia Music Co-founder Justin Cosby Honoured With New AIM Scholarship

The Australian Institute of Music (AIM) have today announced the launch of The Justin Cosby Scholarship, honouring the late Inertia Music icon (who passed away at the age of 50 in 2021) by supporting students looking to follow in his footsteps.

The scholarship comes courtesy of an endowment made by Cosby’s friends, family and colleagues, in tandem with AIM themselves. Through it, one student per year will be supported to pursue a Bachelor degree in the arts. As it’s said in a press release, the scholarship acts as ode to Cosby’s “boundless love for music and his commitment to nurturing emerging talents”, and will be granted to candidates “who share [the late industry mogul’s] steadfast dedication to collaboration, integrity and the art of music exploration”.

Cosby was a co-founder of Inertia Music, and across his storied tenure with the indie music giant, he worked with such inimitable figures as Sia, Bjork, Bon Iver, Ben Lee, Asgeir, M83, Grizzly Bear, Robyn and Big Scary.

In a statement, Ashley Sellers – one of Cosby’s closest colleagues, another co-founder of Inertia – said the launch of The Justin Cosby Scholarship marks “a proud and emotional moment”. She added: “Like many of those who knew Justin, I think about him every day and dearly miss his presence... Justin’s family and I sincerely thank AIM for their support, and we all look forward to seeing the future of Australia’s music industry shine bright with graduates from the Justin Cosby scholarship.”

The sentiment was shared by another former colleague of Cosby’s, Tim Kelly, who now leads the Arts & Entertainment Management degree at AIM. In a statement of his own, Kelly said, “I’m delighted to be working with Justin Cosby’s family to launch this incredible scholarship. Justin’s attributes included a profound love of music, collegial support, and putting the artist at the heart of decision-making. Skill sets AIM seeks to encourage in our students.”

Also weighing in was AIM chair Ed St John, who said, “The Australian Music Industry needs dedicated professionals like Justin Cosby, and we’re proud to support this scholarship. We look forward to developing a new generation of Australian music business talent.”

At the time of writing, it’s unclear when the inaugural Justin Cosby Scholarship will be awarded. Information on how to apply can be found here, while tax-deductible donations to it can be made here. The scholarship has a total value of around $45,000, covering three years of study at AIM across one of two pathways – a Bachelor of Arts & Entertainment Management, or a Bachelor of Music in Arts Management.