Xiao Xiao and RISSA have been announced as the recipients of the 2026 Generations – Western Sydney Music Fellowship, a career-defining six-month residency that connects Western Sydney artists with established industry mentors to create pathways in the NSW music industry.
Delivered in partnership with Powerhouse, Sound NSW and Blacktown Arts, the program offers each fellow $25,000 in funding and in-kind support including industry mentoring, networking opportunities and access to studio space in Blacktown for writing, rehearsals and recordings.
“The Generations – Western Sydney Music Fellowship is about creating lasting pathways for talent that deserves to be heard. Xiao Xiao and RISSA are both outstanding artists whose voices reflect the depth and ambition of Western Sydney’s music community,” said Head of Sound NSW, Emily Collins.
“Through this six-month residency, we’re proud to connect them with experienced mentors, meaningful industry networks and the resources needed to take the next defining step in their careers.’
Post-punk band Xiao Xiao will commence their fellowship in February 2026. Made up of four members with ties to Western Sydney, the self-managed group will use the residency as an opportunity to write and record their second EP and continue to experiment with new genres and sounds inspired by their favourite international and Australian artists.
From July 2026, Polynesian Australian artist RISSA will join the residency. Born and raised in Campbelltown, RISSA is an independent R&B artist whose sound blends soulful melodies, gospel choir harmonies and rhythmic grooves.
In 2023 RISSA released her debut EP, Made to Feel which has over 25 million streams across digital platforms. Through this fellowship, RISSA will work to develop an album that aims to amplify her career, expand Western Sydney’s cultural voice and develop pathways for future international opportunities.
Since launching in 2020, the Generations Music Fellowship has supported 12 early career NSW musicians who have gone on to release new music, perform at festivals and continue to build their profile within the NSW music industry.
“Western Sydney is home to some of the most exciting musical talent in the country and this fellowship is about making sure that talent has pathways to thrive,” said NSW Minister for Arts John Graham.
“Generations connects emerging artists with industry experience, resources and the networks they need to build lasting careers while ensuring Western Sydney voices continue to shape the cultural life of NSW,” said Minister Graham.
“This fellowship shows the value of strong partnerships in supporting local artists. By backing Western Sydney musicians with funding, mentoring and access to creative spaces in Blacktown City, we are helping turn talent into opportunity and strengthening the cultural life of our city and the wider region,” said Mayor of Blacktown City, Brad Bunting.
“Now in its fifth iteration, the Generations Fellowship is an established initiative for nurturing and amplifying the incredible creativity of Western Sydney artists. Powerhouse congratulates Xiao Xiao and RISSA on being awarded the 2026 fellowship and looks forward to hearing the remarkable work they produce,” said Powerhouse Chief Executive, Lisa Havilah.
For more information about the 2026 Generations – Western Sydney Music Fellowship, visit: www.powerhouse.com.au for details.
Image: 2026 Generations – Western Sydney Music Fellowship recipients – photo by Matt Wilson