Annastacia Palaszczuk Announces More Than $3 Million Investment Into BIGSOUND

In promising news for this and future year’s editions of BIGSOUND, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has promised a whopping $3.8 million investment in Australia’s most respected music market event.

BIGSOUND is returning to the Fortitude Valley later this year, and while the line-up of artists and conference subjects hasn’t been announced yet, we do know that the mega, multiple-day event will take place from 5 - 8 September.

Over 22 years, BIGSOUND has been a critical career milestone for locally and internationally respected artists like Flume, Rufus, Gang of Youths, Tash Sultana, Courtney Barnett, DMAs, Lime Cordiale, Cub Sport, Spacey Jane, Tones & I and many more. 

“We all know how powerful music can be,” Palaszczuk said about her government’s investment into the significant week of the Australian music calendar.

She added, “It helps tell our stories and provides a stage for social change. It helps connect people and shapes our culture. Right now in Queensland, I believe there’s something special happening with our music scene here, and tonight I want everyone in this room to know that our government backs you and backs your industry. 

“I know how important BIGSOUND has been for the industry over the past twenty-two years. That’s why I’m pleased to announce $3.8 million in funding over the next four years to make BIGSOUND even bigger and even better.”

Palaszczuk’s announcement was made on the night of the Queensland Music Awards, bringing delight to the state’s music industry.

"The funding boost for BIGSOUND announced by the Premier at the Queensland Music Awards on Tuesday night will meaningfully and significantly assist the continued growth of the music industry in Queensland," said QMusic Chair Natalie Strijland.   

"BIGSOUND is already a world-renowned event that gathers the sector’s leading players from Australia and around the world to examine and confer about the industry and exhibit emerging artists. The boost will ensure that BIGSOUND will once again celebrate and explore all aspects of the music industry, from current trends, innovation and cultural accountabilities to diversity and safety. This unequivocally demonstrates to the world that Brisbane is a central business hub for the music industry.

“BIGSOUND is doubling down on its important multi-decade role in the exporting of Australian music,” QMusic CEO Kris Stewart added. 

“This investment by the Palaszczuk government will mean more international and national decision-makers watching the Australian bands most likely to break. It will also be spent on practical and meaningful outcomes. We know the industry is tough, but by providing the best possible experience for artists choosing to showcase, we set them up for the best opportunity for success.”

Artist applications for this year’s BIGSOUND are now open - apply here.