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Contemporary Music Development Grants – First Nations Creative and Professional Development — NSW

Up to $30K available

Create NSW

Funding for First Nations artists and acts in New South Wales with an existing body of work in contemporary music to support creation, recording and promotion of new original music, professional development and essential equipment purchases. Music businesses may also apply on behalf of an artist or act.

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Funding

Up to $30K

Closed

10 Mar 2025

Duration

from 2025-05-12 to 2026-06-30

Location

New South Wales

Who Can Apply

• Open to First Nations artists and acts, and music businesses applying on behalf of an artist or act • Individual artists must identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander • Individual artists must be 18 years or older • Individual artists must currently live in New South Wales and have done so for at least 12 months • Individual artists must perform new and original contemporary music • Individual artists must have at least one publicly available release • Acts must have a majority of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander members • All act members must be 18 years or older • At least 50% of act members must currently live in New South Wales and have done so for at least 12 months • Acts must perform new and original contemporary music • Acts must have at least one publicly available release • Applicants must have an active ABN and a bank account with the same name as the ABN, or use a funds administrator • Applicants with outstanding acquittals from previous NSW Government funding cannot apply • Only one application can be submitted per round • If successful, applicants cannot apply in the next available First Nations Creative and Professional Development Grants funding round • Projects cannot start before 2025-05-12 • Projects must be completed by 2026-06-30
Open to First Nations artists and acts, and music businesses applying on behalf of an artist or act. Individual artists must identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, be 18 years or older, have lived in New South Wales for at least 12 months, perform new and original contemporary music, and have at least one publicly available release. Acts must have a majority of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander members, all members aged 18 years or older, at least 50% of members living in New South Wales for at least 12 months, perform new and original contemporary music, and have at least one publicly available release. Applicants need an active ABN and a bank account matching the ABN name, or a funds administrator. Applicants cannot have outstanding acquittals from previous NSW Government funding. Only one application may be submitted per round. Projects cannot start before 12 May 2025 and must be completed by 30 June 2026. Ineligible applicants include those who are not First Nations, do not live in New South Wales for the required period, do not perform or record new and original contemporary music, lack a publicly available release, or have outstanding acquittals.

What's Funded

Developing new music, collaboration, recording, mixing and mastering, pressing and manufacturing, release activities, digital marketing and publicity, career development through workshops, camps, mentorships and residencies, and purchase of essential music equipment.

Before you apply

Check Contemporary Music Development Grants – First Nations Creative and Professional Development fit and evidence gaps before 10 Mar 2025

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Expected Outcomes

New and original contemporary music projects delivered by First Nations NSW artists and acts, stronger professional capability and career development, increased profile of First Nations music, and contribution to a diverse and sustainable contemporary music sector in New South Wales.

Grant not accepting applications

Applications for this round are closed. A new round may open in the future.

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Key Information

Applicant Types

individualcompanyother

Stage

established

Funding Purposes

innovationmarketingtrainingcapital_expenditurecommunityother

Keywords

First NationsAboriginalTorres Strait Islandercontemporary musicrecordingpromotionprofessional developmentequipment

Official Grant Page

Create NSW

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the Contemporary Music Development Grants – First Nations Creative and Professional Development?

The Contemporary Music Development Grants – First Nations Creative and Professional Development is a mixed grant offered by Create NSW in Australia, providing Up to $30K in funding. Funding for First Nations artists and acts in New South Wales with an existing body of work in contemporary music to support creation, recording and promotion of new original music, professional development and essential equipment purchases. Music businesses may also apply on behalf of an artist or act.
2

How much funding does the Contemporary Music Development Grants – First Nations Creative and Professional Development provide?

The Contemporary Music Development Grants – First Nations Creative and Professional Development provides Up to $30K in funding. The typical project duration is from 2025-05-12 to 2026-06-30.
3

Who is eligible for the Contemporary Music Development Grants – First Nations Creative and Professional Development?

  • Open to First Nations artists and acts, and music businesses applying on behalf of an artist or act
  • Individual artists must identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
  • Individual artists must be 18 years or older
  • Individual artists must currently live in New South Wales and have done so for at least 12 months
  • Individual artists must perform new and original contemporary music
  • Individual artists must have at least one publicly available release
  • Acts must have a majority of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander members
  • All act members must be 18 years or older
  • At least 50% of act members must currently live in New South Wales and have done so for at least 12 months
  • Acts must perform new and original contemporary music
  • Acts must have at least one publicly available release
  • Applicants must have an active ABN and a bank account with the same name as the ABN, or use a funds administrator
  • Applicants with outstanding acquittals from previous NSW Government funding cannot apply
  • Only one application can be submitted per round
  • If successful, applicants cannot apply in the next available First Nations Creative and Professional Development Grants funding round
  • Projects cannot start before 2025-05-12
  • Projects must be completed by 2026-06-30
4

When does the Contemporary Music Development Grants – First Nations Creative and Professional Development close?

Applications closed on 10 Mar 2025.
5

What activities are funded?

Developing new music, collaboration, recording, mixing and mastering, pressing and manufacturing, release activities, digital marketing and publicity, career development through workshops, camps, mentorships and residencies, and purchase of essential music equipment.
6

How do I apply for the Contemporary Music Development Grants – First Nations Creative and Professional Development?

Start by checking your eligibility using the free Beta Docs eligibility checker. If eligible, Beta Docs' AI-powered platform can help you draft, review, and refine your application to maximise your chances of success.

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