BIGSOUND 2021 cancelled

BIGSOUND will not proceed in 2021, with the music industry conference and showcase event admitting it is now “painfully clear” that Australia’s COVID-19 situation makes the event untenable.

It was due to take place in Queensland from September 7 to 9.

Last year’s event was taken online, however this time around the decision has been made to pull the pin completely.

The event is produced by QMusic with support from the Queensland Government via Arts Queensland, and the Australian Government via APRA AMCOS and the Australia Council.

QMusic CEO, Kris Stewart, said there was too much uncertainty to proceed as planned.

“Without our music mates in New South Wales and Victoria and no certain timeline as to when domestic borders will remain open, BIGSOUND 2021 wouldn’t be able to deliver on its promise to reunite the music community for three extraordinary days of connection, conversation, and music discovery,” he said.

“As 2021 marks BIGSOUND’s 20th anniversary, we are committed to coming through the unpredictable and relentless nature of COVID to celebrate this significant milestone with something special later this year, so watch this space for more to be revealed in the coming months.”

All BIGSOUND 2021 ticketholders and artist application fees will be refunded in the coming weeks, and QMusic said it is already working on the 2022 event.

Despite the cancellation, Little BLAKSOUND, the 100% First Nations youth-led music conference presented by Digi Youth Arts (DYA), will still proceed on September 6.

The event will shine a light on Blak excellence and provide a space for the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural and arts leaders.