Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and bands are set to get a boost from the Federal Government as part of the new Indigenous Contemporary Music Program, announced this week.
The $2 million program is part of the Government's $30.9 million Australian Music Industry Package.
The program has promised $250,000 to the Australia Council to deliver Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music grants and $100,000 to the APRA AMCOS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office to provide emergency grants for musicians and bands affected by COVID-19.
$100,000 is set to go to the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) to assist five Indigenous artists to produce a musical recording, while Music NT will get $50,000 to hold this year's National Indigenous Music Awards online.
Australia council executive director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Lydia Miller welcomed the Commonwealth funding.
Baker Boy, AKA Danzal Baker. Source: Supplied
"First Nations contemporary music plays a critical role in Australia's music identity," she said.
"This investment will provide crucial development opportunities for Fist Nations contemporary musicians, supporting their sustainability and continued success at this critical time."
Minister for the Arts Paul Fletcher said the program aims to increase opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and bands.
"We are investing in the Indigenous contemporary music sector to increase opportunities for our performers and to support the ongoing development of professional and ethical networks for Indigenous musicians and professionals," he said.
"These terrific initiatives will support a wide range of individuals and bands across the country, from our cities to regional and remote communities, providing crisis support as well as creating opportunities for the development, promotion, celebration and recognition of the enormous talent within Australia's Indigenous music sector."
