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The careers of local musicians and opportunities within the music industry are now supported by the NSW Government who are providing $9.3 million to support touring, studio recording, industry development and promotions.
The support funding combats the industry’s challenges of limited resources, competition and unpredictable ticket sales.
The 2025 NSW grants include two funds that support and uplift First Nations artists within the industry, and support to organisations networks and collaborations.
Funding spread across three key programs
The Contemporary Music Development Grant funds $4.2 million to provide support over 70 artists and organisations to produce music for the industry.
The Touring and Travel Fund dedicates $1.8 million to critically support 144 artists and industry professionals for national and supporting touring events.
The Strategic Funding Program applies $3.25 million to deliver 10 key initiatives, including programs and workshops that will provide significant outcomes for the NSW music industry.
These key programs help support Australian grown artists including DMAs, The Rubens, MAY-A, Jack River, BARKAA, Dan Sultan, Becca Hatch, Middle Kids, Hermitude, Nooky, Mi-Kaisha and Kobie Dee.
Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, John Graham said: “This year’s grants put particular focus on First Nations music, regional artists and some of the crucial organisations that foster talent and industry development. For this industry to grow, we have to support the ecosystem and that’s what these grants do.”
The NSW Government’s support is a part of the 10 year Contemporary Music Strategy which has worked to repair damage caused by the former Liberal government’s lockout and overregulation policies.
The support has delivered immense success to Australia’s blooming music industry by opening new opportunities to perform, accessibility to industry knowledge and tools, recording and venue grants and establishing New South Wales first government backed contemporary music agency.
Head of Sound NSW, Emily Collins said: “The funding outcomes show the depth and breadth of the state’s creative potential – we’re seeing powerful new voices, bold ideas and collaborative projects come to life thanks to this funding.”
Within all of the major government interventions, there is significant support for regional music with 29% of the Contemporary Music Development Grants and 30% of the Touring and Travel Fund allocated to regional artists.
“If we want to keep our home-grown sound and have music that reflects who we are, we have to back our artists to make music and take it on the road, not just here but overseas where they can find new audiences,” says Graham.
The support projects focus on expanding the music industry and continuing the determination of breaking into competitive environments for the next generation of aspiring leaders and musicians.
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