The First Nations Contemporary Music Program
Applications are now closed.
The purpose of the Grant is to deliver funding under the Indigenous Contemporary Music Program (the Program), to provide development opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and bands throughout Australia. It contributes to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications (the Department) Outcome 6.1: Participation in, and access to, Australia’s arts and culture through developing and supporting cultural expression.
The objectives of the First Nations Contemporary Music Program are to:
- support the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and bands by providing professional industry-based opportunities such as training, mentoring, performing, recording and promotion
- support sustainable employment and income-earning pathways in the wider Australian music industry for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and bands
- build capacity in the Indigenous music sector by supporting partnerships, collaboration and networks across the Australian music industry.
The intended outcomes of the First Nations Contemporary Music Program are to:
- increase Indigenous-led opportunities that will deliver sustainable economic pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and bands
- establish professional, viable and ethical networks for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and bands
- develop a strong sense of empowerment, cultural identity, pride and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and bands, contributing to resilient communities
- celebrate and increase recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and bands, in the music industry and the broader Australian community.
First Nations Contemporary Music Program: First Nations Music Industry Partnerships
First Nations Music Industry Partnerships
A competitive grant program for Indigenous contemporary music projects to support the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and bands by providing professional industry-based opportunities such as training, touring, mentoring, performing, recording and promotion, audience and market development.
Applications should be considerate of COVID-19 gathering restrictions put in place by state and federal governments.
Your activity should last no longer than 12 months from the proposed start date. Activities can commence from 1 December 2020 and must be completed within 12 months of the start date.
The applicants need to be a First Nations owned and lead arts and or music organisations that can supply music and industry development programs.
The application needs to demonstrate that any programs will further First Nations musicians and or artworkers professional and creative development.
The applicant will need to be able to demonstrate that the applied for program is (existing or in the planning stage) is viable and within budget. The applicant will need to show where the remaining budget for the program (not including the applied for amount from the Australia Council) is coming from.
Reporting
As this is a First Nations strategic initiative you will be required to provide:
- a final grant report at the completion of your project.
First Nations Contemporary Music Program: Musicians and Band support
About the First Nations Contemporary Music Program
Australia Council for the Arts has received funding from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communication through the Office of the Arts to provide grants to the First Nations Music Industry aimed at increasing development opportunities for musicians and bands. The First Nations Contemporary Music program is one of five programs under the Australian Music Industry Package announced in the 2019-2020 Budget.
Two (2) initiatives under the First Nations Contemporary Music Program are the First Nations Music Industry Partnership and the First Nations Musicians and Bands fund, which will be managed by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Unit, guided by the First Nations Musicians Advisory Group and assessed by the First Nation Arts Strategy Panel. These programs are aimed at a national development program for First Nations Musicians and bands.
The objectives of the First Nations Contemporary Music Program are to:
- support the development of First Nations musicians and bands by providing professional industry-based opportunities such as training, mentoring, performing, recording and promotion
- support sustainable employment and income-earning pathways in the wider Australian music industry for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and bands
- build capacity in the Indigenous music sector by supporting partnerships, collaboration and networks across the Australian music industry.
The intended outcomes of the First Nations Contemporary Music Program are to:
- increase Indigenous-led opportunities that will deliver sustainable economic pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and bands
- establish professional, viable and ethical networks for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and bands
- develop a strong sense of empowerment, cultural identity, pride and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and bands, contributing to resilient communities
- celebrate and increase recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and bands, in the music industry and the broader Australian community.
Musicians and band support is open to musicians and bands
The purpose of this grant is for First Nations Contemporary Music projects for individual artists and groups for creative and skills development projects of up to $15,000. These projects can include creation of new work, professional development, marketing and promotion, touring and performance opportunities including digital platforms.
Applications should be considerate of COVID-19 gathering restrictions put in place by state and federal governments.
Your activity should last no longer than 12 months from the proposed start date. Activities can commence from 1 December 2020 and must be completed within 12 months of the start date.
Reporting
As this is a First Nations strategic initiative you will be required to provide:
- progress reporting
- a final grant report at the completion of your project.
