More support for the Indigenous Contemporary Music industry

Eight organisations will share in more than $600,000 in the second round of grants under the $2 million Indigenous Contemporary Music program, aimed at increasing development opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and bands.

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the $2 million program is part of the Morrison Government’s Australian Music Industry Package announced in the 2019-20 Budget.

“This round of grants will provide $604,000 to eight organisations in the Indigenous contemporary music sector, supporting opportunities for many talented Indigenous performers across the country,” Minister Fletcher said.

“With the Morrison Government’s support, these organisations will build sustainable professional careers in the Australian and international music industries.”

The program will support a range of opportunities and activities, including a showcase of emerging talent at the 2021 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, an Aunties music program, and support for the National Indigenous Music Awards.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, said the Indigenous Contemporary Music program is critical to safeguarding our cultural heritage.

“Australia’s unique Indigenous music is engrained in tens of thousands of years of heritage and has an important place in the exchange and survival of Indigenous cultures, which is central to our country’s identity, place and belonging,” Minister Wyatt said.

“With this support, our emerging and talented musicians provide opportunities to express Indigenous heritage — past, present and future — for generations to come.”

To find out more about the Indigenous Contemporary Music program visit: www.arts.gov.au/what-we-do/performing-arts/contemporary-music

Media contact:

Christine Byllaardt | 0409 433 357 | Christine.VandenByllaardt@communications.gov.au

Round Two recipients:

Organisation

Activity description

Funding

Abmusic (Aboriginal Corporation)

Djinda Boodja - Mooditj Music (Good Music)

A national mentorship program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, developing skills in songwriting, arranging, collaboration, performance and recording.

$109,200

over two years

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair Limited

CIAF Live it Up – Unearthed New Indigenous Contemporary Music

A showcase of emerging talent in live performance and industry mentoring workshops during the 2021 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.

$48,170

Carclew Incorporated

BLKMPIRE: a Blak-led contemporary youth music industry development program.

Utilising cultural knowledge and connectivity to build contemporary youth music pathways and build safe music industry practices and standards.

$120,000

Gadigal Information Service Aboriginal Corporation

Koori Radio Music Residency

Supporting six Indigenous artists to each create and record an EP of new works, providing opportunities for promotion, performance and mentoring. Additionally building capacity in the Indigenous-led team and studios at Koori Radio to continue to support artists year-around.

$78,000

Indigenous Remote Communications Association Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation

First Sounds Mentor Program

A six-month national mentoring program developed by indigiTUBE, pairing four artists from the First Sounds 2020 program with First Nations industry leaders. Culminating in a two-day mentorship intensive, performance showcase and BIGSOUND attendance in Brisbane.

$34,500

Jessie Lloyd Music Pty Ltd

Jessie Lloyd's Aunties Music Program

Supporting select Indigenous women over the age of 50 to record an EP or demo. Providing skills and opportunities in composition and recording and to preserve older generations' stories and songs.

$30,000

Music NT Incorporated

National Indigenous Music Awards - Training and mentoring program

Support for the National Indigenous Music Awards to move towards a self-determined delivery model and establishment of a training and mentoring program for the next generation of First Nations event managers and production teams.

$125,000

over two years

Nayri Niara Pty Ltd

Nayri Niara / good spirit Tasmanian Indigenous Contemporary Music Project

A six-month music program for nine emerging Tasmanian Indigenous musicians, designed to reduce barriers to ongoing income and employment due to structural, systemic or personal disadvantage.

$59,330