Music Writer's Lab Launches Commissioning Fund

After wrapping this year’s program, The Music Writer’s Lab has announced its first-ever commissioning fund to support up-and-coming music journalists in Australia.

The Music Writer’s Lab—a program conceived by MusicNT and Creative Australia—was funded by Music Australia this year, with additional support from its patron, Leanne de Souza. For this year’s inaugural Commissioning Fund, $6,000 will be shared among successful media outlets selected via an official EOI process.

A press release notes that all Australian music media outlets are encouraged to apply. Applications for the 2024 Commissioning Fund are now open and will close at 5 pm on Friday, 4 October.

To find out more about the commissioning fund and making your application, head here for more information.

The Music Writer’s Lab returned to BIGSOUND for its third year last week, welcoming four talented rising stars in music journalism – Adeline Chai, Shambe Olweny-Pu, Tierney White and Keeley Thompson – to receive mentorship from Adele Luamanuvae, Tyler Jenke, Jack Latimore and Owen Morawitz.

Guest speakers at this year’s edition of The Music Writer’s Lab included The Music’s Dan Cribb, Double J’s Dan Condon, Billboard US’s Lyndsey Havens, Tait McGregor, The Australian’s Andrew McMillen, and Sound Story’s Vivienne Kelly.

In addition to the music writing and editing stars, The Music Writer’s Lab also welcomed Support Act’s Ash King for an all-too-important reminder about mental health and where to access resources available to writers.

Owen Morawitz commented on being “deeply honoured” to mentor the next generation of music writers at this year’s Music Writer’s Lab at BIGSOUND. “With authentic music journalism seemingly under threat from every direction, supporting the next generation of Australian music writers has never been more vital.”

Morawitz added, “The industry experience and worldly wisdom of the program’s guest speakers were invaluable. I left our sessions feeling amazed at the raw talent on display in this year’s mentee cohort. I’m invigorated by their enthusiasm and passion for Australian artists and anxiously awaiting the incredible stories yet to be told.”