$100K Generations Fellowship returns for NSW Contemporary Musicians

Olivia-Abbott,-Blake-Rhodes-and-Tanaya-Barat-photo-by-Cassandra-HannaganThe NSW Government is calling for applications from early career contemporary musicians, music producers, songwriters and composers, in the second year of a partnership between Create NSW, the Powerhouse Museum and Australian music management and touring company, Astral People.

The Generations Fellowship, valued at $100,000, will support three individuals or groups for six months of professional development in 2021.

Minister for the Arts, Don Harwin said the return of the Fellowship new and emerging musicians and practitioners with invaluable experience, mentorship and industry networking.

“It is fantastic to be working in partnership on this important Generations Fellowship again this year as we work to grow the local music sector,” said Mr Harwin. “By nurturing our future generation of NSW musicians, we are preserving the rich cultural legacy of our State’s music industry.”

“We are committed to returning the vibrancy of the live music scene to NSW after a challenging year through targeted opportunities such as this Fellowship for our talented musicians.”

The Generations Fellowship program is made possible through matched funding of $40,000 each from Create NSW and the Powerhouse Museum and boosted by additional in-kind support of $20,000 from Astral People.

Three successful individuals or groups will be provided with $25,000 each in financial support, studio space at the Powerhouse Museum (Ultimo) or Museums Discovery Centre (Castle Hill), with industry mentoring and networking facilitated by Astral People throughout each residency. In addition, support will be provided for costs associated with participating in program including travel and equipment.

“The Generations Fellowship has allowed the Powerhouse to play an active role in nurturing the development of contemporary musicians as they grow within the industry.” said Lisa Havilah, Chief Executive, Powerhouse Museum. “Now more than ever it’s critical that we continue to support and collaborate with musicians and artists across NSW.”

“The Generations Fellowship was one of the more rewarding experiences we’ve had since starting the company over nine years ago,” said Astral People co-founder and director Vichara Edirisinghe.

“We discovered some amazing talent and were able to facilitate the growth of the three recipients, seeing them through the various aspects of the music industry, and it was especially satisfying to have such a diverse group. I can’t wait to hear and see what this amazing program brings us next year.”

The Fellowship will connect artists with established industry experts and mentors, pass on intergenerational knowledge and create pathways in the music industry.


Applications for the Generations Fellowship are now open and close Monday 18 January 2021 – 5.00pm (AEDT). For more information and guidelines, visit: www.create.nsw.gov.au for details.

Image: Olivia Abbott, Blake Rhodes and Tanaya Barat are the current 2020 Generations Fellows – photo by Cassandra Hannagan