NSW Government Unveils Largest-Ever Package Of Grants For Musicians
Artists including DMA'S, Becca Hatch, Middle Kids, Dan Sultan, 3% and more will receive support from the NSW government's funding round.
Becca Hatch performing at Yours & Owls (Credit: Peter Dovgan)
The largest-ever funding round for musicians in New South Wales was revealed today by the state government.
A total of $9.3 million of funding will go towards bands and artists embarking on national and international tours, studio recording, promotion, and industry development. Today’s announcement arrives amid a tumultuous period for the local music industry, which has been plagued by slow ticket sales, the disappearance of music festivals, and the competition from international artists dominating the local market.
The 2024/2025 Sound NSW grants arrive with two new funds designed to boost First Nations artists, as well as a new industry development fund that contributes to building skills, networks, and collaborations for organisations across the state.
The state government has also outlined its support for regional music, earmarking 29% of the Contemporary Music Development Grants and 30% of the Touring and Travel Fund going to regional recipients.
The Contemporary Music Development Grants received $4.2 million, which cover recording, content and promotion – supporting DMA’S, Middle Kids, MAY-A, The Rubens, and more – the newly launched First Nations Creative and Professional Development fund, going to artists including Becca Hatch, Dan Sultan, BARKAA, 3%, and more, and the Industry Development fund, which supports organisations including FBi Radio and Accessible Arts.
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$1.8 million will go towards the Touring and Travel Fund, which supports the likes of Hayden James, SPEED, Sarah Blasko, and others taking their music overseas, and the Strategic Funding Program, which supports initiatives such as the Australian Women in Music regional delegates program, APRA regional and songwriting workshops, and the Australian Festivals Association for a best practice festival safety guide.
NSW’s Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, John Graham, said the government is working to build the state’s music scene “one band, one venue, one tour at a time.”
“You actually can’t overstate it – if we don’t support our local artists, they will struggle to survive the onslaught of American music on the streaming platforms,” Graham explained.
“If we want to keep our home-grown sound and have music reflects who we are, we have to back our artists to make music and take it on the road, not just here but overseas where they can find new audiences.”
Graham continued, “After some challenging years, we’re working to build the NSW music industry one band, one venue, one tour at a time.”
“This year’s grants put particular focus on First Nations music, regional artists and some of the crucial organisations that foster talent and industry development. For this industry to grow, we have to support the ecosystem, and that’s what these grants do.”
Head of Sound NSW, Emily Collins, continued: “We know that NSW is absolutely brimming with talent, and these targeted funding initiatives focus on enabling the artists and music industry organisations to innovate, develop and create.
“From regional tours and international collaborations to strategic initiatives that will drive change, these programs are an investment in the sustainability and long-term success of NSW music.
“The funding outcomes show the depth and breadth of the state’s creative potential – we’re seeing powerful new voices, bold ideas and collaborative projects come to life thanks to this funding.
“Sound NSW is proud to support projects that aren’t just about performance, but about self-determination and storytelling, and growing the next generation of artists and leaders.”
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