The Australia Council welcomes the federal government’s commitment of $2 million over four years ($500,000 each year) to be invested through the Indigenous Contemporary Music Program.
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP today announced details of the first year of investment, including $250,000 to the Australia Council to deliver First Nations music grants.
Australia Council Executive Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Lydia Miller said, “First Nations contemporary music plays a critical role in Australia’s music identity. This investment will provide crucial development opportunities for First Nations contemporary musicians, supporting their sustainability and continued success at a critical time.”
Funding invested through the Australia Council will support:
- $150,000 for an Indigenous contemporary music projects competitive grant program
- $100,000 to run a matched funding initiative to support the development of the Indigenous music sector
More details about these opportunities, including how to apply, will be available in August.
The Indigenous Contemporary Music Program also includes:
- $100,000 for the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) to support recording grants for First Nations artists, delivered in partnership with the PPCA and the Australia Council
- $100,000 in funding to the APRA AMCOS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music office to assist its Sustainability Fund, providing emergency assistance to First Nations artists and bands affected by COVID-19
- $50,000 to MusicNT to hold the 2020 National Indigenous Music Awards ceremony online, in response to COVID-19
