NSW Government Launches Touring & Recording Support For Artists

New South Wales is leading the charge with a new dedicated touring fund, accompanying a grant for recordings and promotions, to support its artists.

Sound NSW, a government office dedicated to promoting the state’s contemporary music, will administer $4.8 million in funding, which will reach over 800 artists and industry professionals.

179 acts will receive funding via the Minns’ Labor government’s $2.6 million Touring and Travel Fund to assist in national and international tours going forward. The dedicated touring fund has also earmarked support for parents on the road, providing a lifeline in the form of a carer offering childcare.

Artists who will undoubtedly benefit from the new support include Australian country singer Fanny Lumsden—who is taking a carer on her upcoming UK tour—and Middle Kids’ Hannah Joy and Tim Fitz, who will receive support for their two young children when they set off to the US.

The Touring and Travel Fund will also assist Barkaa in going on her first-ever Australian tour, Newcastle band Dust as they take on a European tour slot opening for Interpol, and Broken Hill metallers Firestorm when they support Canadian group Unleash The Archers on a forthcoming Australia/New Zealand tour.

$2.2 million is going to the Recording and Promotion Grants, which will help fund 59 new and original contemporary music recordings. Artists benefiting from the grants include indie rockers Royel Otis, Boy & Bear, Meg Mac, and Ngaiire.

Sound NSW has also launched a $4 million Strategic Funding program to assist industry development groups like the Country Music Association of Australia, the Australian Festivals Association, and the Electronic Music Conference.   

In a statement, the Head of Sound NSW, Emily Collins, commented that the organisation is “thrilled” to deliver targeted programs to artists in the state’s music industry.

“Investing in artists is vital to a thriving industry – and NSW is brimming with exceptional talent,” Collins said.

Adding that Sound NSW has been inundated with a “high number” of applicants and recipients of the new funds, the grants have provided support for “people with disability, family or cultural needs were covered, meaning more people with care requirements can hit the road.”

Collins continued, “Under the Recording and Promotion Grants program, 54% of funding is supporting female and nonbinary acts and artists, and there is also strong representation from regional NSW recipients across both the Touring and Travel and Recording and Promotion programs. 

“Sound NSW will soon deliver the state’s first-ever 10-year Contemporary Music Strategy, setting an ambitious vision for music in NSW, as we continue our work to strengthen and grow contemporary music in NSW.”

The NSW Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, John Graham, added that he recognises the nature of being a musician in the present economic climate and said: “Without the right support, some of these talented artists might be forced to walk away from the industry and that would be a huge loss for the state.”

In response to the high demand for the Recording and Promotion Grants, Graham said the team doubled the initial funding allocation to continue supporting artists in the state.

Graham continued, “This is exactly why our government set up Sound NSW, to support a strong and sustainable contemporary live music scene. I’m very happy to see their hard work pay off for our talented musicians.”