MusicNSW Receives $1M For Regional Officers Program

MusicNSW has received $1 million to fund its Regional Music Officer Program.

The NSW Government confirmed the association will receive $250,000 per year over the next four years to place five officers across the state to provide on-the-ground support to musicians, venues, managers, agents and promoters in their designated regions.

“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring everyone has access to great arts and culture and it is wonderful to see MusicNSW champion this mission by extending their highly successful Regional Music Officer Program,” said Nationals artist minister Ben Franklin.

“Music is central to our state’s cultural identity and the NSW Government will continue to work with MusicNSW and the broader music industry to support and promote regional performers and venues – bringing the buzz back to grassroots venues and regional communities.”

MusicNSW managing director Emily Collins added, “There is such an incredible wealth of music talent and expertise in regional NSW.

“This four-year funding commitment, through Create NSW, will allow MusicNSW to support regional artists and industry to develop their careers and drive a strong return of regional touring in the wake of COVID-19, bushfires and floods.”

Regional NSW music industry professionals will have MusicNSW staff to call on for support and advice, as well as access to a range of resources, masterclasses and funding advice.

The $1 million investment is part of the state government’s $68 million Arts and Cultural Funding Program.

The five new officers, who will be announced at the end of November, will also be working with councils on increasing gigs and other opportunities for audiences and the music sector.

MusicNSW first trialled the Regional Music Officer Program in 2019, starting with three hires, in Wagga Wagga, Bermagui and Major’s Creek.

Collins explained that with each regional town having its own needs, it would be more effective for a local to help build different music communities.

“There is such a wealth of musical talent living and working in regional NSW – both artists and industry. Some incredible venues that are under-utilised,” she said at the time.

Last June, the program expanded to seven, extending through the Central West, Mid North Coast, North West and Northern Rivers regions.

In June 2022 MusicNSW launched an interactive tour-planning platform Regional Touring Network aimed at making touring through regional NSW easier for artists.

Features allowed users to browse regional venues, find out their capacities, accessibility and tech specifications, booking details and calculate travel times.