WOMADelaide x NSS Academy Program Is Now Open

Applications are open for the WOMADelaide x NSS Academy, a nine-month music development program for culturally-diverse emerging artists hailing from a range of communities in South Australia.

Through the Academy program, five artists will be tapped to participate in activities designed to help with the performance, business, technical and marketing aspects of their talents.

Also, the chosen few will land an opportunity to showcase for the WOMADelaide programming team, opening-up the possibility of performing at the WOMADelaide festival proper, set for March 2024.

The WOMADelaide x NSS Academy is an artist development initiative and WOMADelaide Foundation project receiving assistance from the Government of South Australia and Foodland with support from the City of Playford and Northern Sound System (NSS). 

Applicants should have experience in writing, recording, and performing original music, organisers say, and be determined to take their musical adventures to the next level with the support of mentors.

Alumni include Elsy Wameyo, Marlon x Rulla, Sonz of Serpent and Dem Mob, while the likes of Tkay Maidza, Towns, Teenage Joans and George Alice got an early break with NSS.

South Australia and its capital Adelaide, the first, and only, designated UNESCO City of Music in Australia, have been on a creative tear of late.

The city of churches was nominated last year for “best global music city” and “best late-night economy initiative,” part of the international Music Cities Awards program; the city hosts the annual Indie-Con and AIR Awards, and now boasts the world-class mid-size venue, Hindley Street Music Hall.

“South Australia has no shortage of inspiring artists and punches weigh above its weight on the national music scene,” reads a statement from NSS.

“It is an honour to support the journeys of brave creatives and to do so partnership with a juggernaut like WOMADelaide makes magic happen. Can’t wait to see who we’re working with this year.”

Applications close on May 31.

Established in 1992, WOMADelaide returned in full force in March following “three challenging years.”

According to the production team, more than 110,000 festival goers attended the event over March 10-13, which featured performances from Bon Iver, Florence Welch and more.