NSW Government Launches The First-Ever NSW Music Prize

Huge news out of New South Wales today, as the NSW Government has officially launched the inaugural NSW Music Prize.

The first-ever NSW Music Prize will be presented during an award ceremony in Ausmusic Month this November and feature three categories. They are:

• The $80,000 NSW Music Prize. To be awarded to an NSW-based artist/band whose art has had the most significant impact.

• The $40,000 NSW First Nations Music Prize. To be awarded to an NSW-based First Nations artist/band whose art has had a significant and meaningful impact.

• The $40,000 NSW Breakthrough Artist of the Year award. To be given to an emerging NSW-based artist/band who has experienced a groundbreaking year.

Music released or artists who experienced a significant career breakthrough during the eligibility period of 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025 will be considered by a panel of music industry professionals.

According to a press release, a Selection Committee of 20 Australian music industry professionals will nominate artists and create a longlist for the main NSW Music Prize and the Breakthrough Artist of the Year award, followed by a panel of five experts who will determine the winners.

For the First Nations Music Prize, a Nominations Committee of First Nations industry experts will be appointed to submit nominations for the award and decide finalists with a Judging Panel of three First Nations experts from within the music industry, who will select the victor.

Expressions of Interest are now open for interested parties to join the nominations committee and judging panels. Head to the Sound NSW website to find more information and apply ahead of the EOI period closing on Monday, 21 July.

In a statement, the NSW Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, John Graham, acknowledged that it was a “travesty” the state didn’t have a music prize before and sought to rectify that oversight.

“Despite the fact NSW is the engine room of Australia’s music industry, we were one of the only states that didn’t have a music prize,” Graham said. “I thought that was a travesty, so the arrival of the NSW Music Prize will right that wrong. 

“This investment will celebrate our artists, boost their careers and inspire the next generation to shoot for the stars. Awarding the country’s biggest cash prize demonstrates we’re serious about backing our musicians, recognising their cultural contribution and supporting them through challenging times.

“We often say that ‘Labor loves live music’ and this is us putting it into practice. The NSW live music industry employs over 14,000, and we are backing it to keep growing.” 

Emily Collins, the Head of Sound NSW, urged interested individuals to apply for the committees and judging panels and commented on the initiative: “The NSW Music Prize is all about celebrating the incredible talent we have in NSW, and acknowledging those who dedicate themselves to creating the soundtracks to our lives. 

“In launching the NSW Music Prize, we’re valuing local music and the artists who create it and making a significant investment into the careers of some of our top talent. NSW artists deserve to be valued and celebrated, and Sound NSW is proud to be delivering the Prize.”

Annabelle Herd, CEO of ARIA and PPCA and member of the Sound NSW Advisory Board, added: “By actively supporting outstanding, export-ready music through the NSW Music Prize, we’re empowering artists to compete in today’s global music market. NSW has a long and proud history of launching some of Australia’s greatest artists onto the global stage, and this targeted approach helps continue that legacy. 

“The direct investment in First Nations music in particular ensures we are not only supporting, but actively celebrating, the richness and cultural depth at the heart of our music community.”

Frontier Touring and Chugg Music’s Michael Chugg AM concluded, “The input of the NSW Government and Sound NSW into the statewide music industry has created a lot of excitement and this latest announcement is a great step forward for the 1000s of talented musicians, artists, and industry workers who ply their talent playing, writing, and making great music, from the big cities to the smallest villages in our state.

“The NSW Music Prize will garner great publicity for our artists and provide much-needed funding to advance their careers – not just in Australia, but globally – by enabling artists, industry professionals, and companies to open doors worldwide to our wonderful music.”