Applications are now open for the 2027 Joblink Plus Artist Bursary Program which will support artists performing at the Toyota 55th Tamworth Country Music Festival. The program aims to assist artists staying for at least three days, with travel and accommodation costs, allowing them to experience the festival for longer.
Joblink Plus will sponsor 25 bursaries valued at $1000 each, including five to First Nations artists.
The Not-For-Profit Organisation exists to provide people with the opportunity to find meaningful work and to connect them with the dignity and fulfilment that comes from pursuing their passions. The Artist Bursary Program reflects that same purpose by helping emerging artists build the skills, experience, and connections needed to develop sustainable careers in the music industry.
Joblink Plus CEO Emily Roy said: "Joblink Plus exists to help people discover opportunities, build confidence and pursue meaningful futures. While that often means supporting people into employment, it also means backing individuals who are striving to build careers in creative industries.
"The Artist Bursary Program is about investing in potential. Talented artists need platforms, networks and real-world experience to develop their craft, and there is no better place to do that than the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
"We're proud to support a program that not only helps emerging artists take the next step in their journey but also contributes to the economic vitality of our region. The Festival brings thousands of visitors to Tamworth each year, creating opportunities for local businesses and strengthening our position as Australia's country music capital. Supporting artists and supporting regional growth go hand in hand."
The program was launched for the 2026 Festival, as a direct response to feedback provided by The Tamworth Country Music Advisory Group, in relation to the challenges that artists face in getting to the Festival. This program has been developed to provide practical support to remove some of those barriers for artists and help them participate in the Festival.
Festival Executive Producer Peter Ross said: "The success of the inaugural program highlights the Festival's ongoing commitment to nurturing emerging talent and ensuring Tamworth remains a launchpad for the next generation of country music artists."
Recipients of the inaugural bursary program travelled from all over Australia, including singer-songwriter Jessica Holbrok, from South East QLD. During the festival, Jessica was crowned the winner of the Toyota Best of the Buskers Championships.
"Without the bursary, I wouldn't have been able to make it down to the Festival this year. I wouldn't have been able to busk on iconic Peel Street and I wouldn't have been able to have the opportunity to win the Best of the Buskers.
"Being able to be at the Festival allowed me to experience so many things and gave me so many opportunities that I wouldn't have had if I didn't go." Jessica said.
This year, the Festival is calling on more businesses to sponsor a bursary to increase the number of artists who are supported. Donations are 100% tax deductible. In return, bursary sponsors will receive brand recognition across festival signage, the TCMF website, social media channels and the recipient artist's channels, as well as on the presentation cheque. Sponsors will also have branding and promotional opportunities at the JobLink Plus Fringe Zone stage during the recipient's performance and will be invited to an official media and photo opportunity when bursaries are presented.
