MusicNSW’s new funding round for all-ages music events is now open

Just in time for the weekend, MusicNSW has announced a new funding round for all-ages music events.

The Indent Event Development Grants Program has two levels of funding, and offers a financial leg up to young people keen on hosting all-ages, drug and alcohol-free music events next year in NSW.

There’s good money to be had. The “Level 1 Event Development Grants” offer up to $2,500 for first-timers, pitching smaller events like local band nights and open mics. The next step up, the “Level 2” grants, bring a windfall of up to $5,000 for those applicants who’ve previously run an event with a “Level 1” grant and are stepping up their live music plans (think, youth stages at community fests or all-ages regional tours).

Candidates must belong to groups of at least five people, aged 12-25, in partnership with a support organisation, such as a local council or state-based youth service.

“Live music is something everyone should get to enjoy and sadly it’s pretty hard for people under 18 to get that opportunity in NSW,” says MusicNSW’s Managing Director Emily Collins in a statement issued Friday. “These grants are designed to give young people the chance to put on their own gigs and make their own fun with music they enjoy, as well as provide performance opportunities for young bands across the state.”

Previous recipients of the grants include 4Elements hip-hop Festival in Bankstown, LiquidFest in Queanbeyan and Park Lane Festival in Coffs Harbour.

Applications are now open, and will remain so until 5pm on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018. For more information visit musicnsw.com/funding.