MusicNT Secures Prize Partnership With Tourism NT For 2017 & 2018 Song Of The Year Awards

With entries for this year's MusicNT Song Of The Year Awards only open for another few days, the Territory's industry body has announced a two-year partnership with Tourism NT to sponsor the annual Territory Song Award, first issued at last year's event in Darwin.

Last year's winner, Ben Evolent, received $10,000 to make a music video making use of imagery designed to showcase the natural beauty of the Northern Territory.

The renewed commitment from Tourism NT will provide similar mutual benefits for musicians and the local tourism market until at least 2018, though MusicNT executive director Mark Smith said in a statement that, following a successful first year for the award, it was clear that "Tourism NT has seen the value of engaging local music to promote the Northern Territory".

"MusicNT is excited about Tourism NT’s two-year commitment to showcasing the Territory through the vibrancy of its music industry," he said.

Echoed Tourism & Culture Department chief executive Alastair Shields: "Music is a highly powerful and emotive tool to engage audiences and we are pleased to partner with MusicNT and Territory musicians to promote our destination in campaigns and at key tourism events."

The 2017 MusicNT Song Of The Year Awards will be held on Saturday 8 July at the Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory Amphitheatre. The judging panel will comprise a selection of industry representatives yet to be announced.

Eligible musicians who have not yet entered their songs into the running have until 5pm this Friday, 26 May, to do so via the event's website.