Applications are now open for grants under the 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 $500,000 open competitive grant round will establish support mechanisms for Indigenous music artists.
"The Morrison Government is committed to investing in the Indigenous contemporary music sector so that it is developed and strengthened for current and future generations," Minister Fletcher said.
"I encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to apply for these grants, which aim to provide opportunities and skills for ongoing economic and employment pathways in the music industry, including training and professional partnerships."
Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, said music is central to safeguarding Indigenous traditions and cultures.
"Music reflects a sense of identity, place and belonging, and acts as a vehicle for telling the events of Indigenous people's lives, both past and present," Minister Wyatt said.
"Music is also an important expression of resilience and survival, reflecting the diversity and significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture."
The $2 million Indigenous Contemporary Music Program will provide funding over four years and is one of five measures under the $30.9 million Australian Music Industry Package announced in the 2019-20 Budget.
The first year of Indigenous Contemporary Music funding was delivered in July 2020 to four leading arts organisations, to support a range of targeted activities to develop the Indigenous music sector.
The Government invests around $750 million in the arts and cultural sector through its regular funding programs each year.
