Applications open for 2027 Western Sydney music fellowship, helping support the next generation of local artists

Musicians, songwriters, producers and composers from western Sydney are invited to apply for the next round of Generations – Western Sydney Music Fellowship, a program that supports emerging artists in the NSW music industry.

Delivered in partnership by Sound NSW, Powerhouse and Blacktown Arts, the fellowship will award 2 early-career artists or acts a six-month residency including $25,000 in financial support, one-on-one mentoring from industry leaders and dedicated studio space in Blacktown.

The fellowship provides a platform for unsigned and independent artists to accelerate their careers by connecting with established music industry professionals. Participants will gain insights from musicians, producers, managers, agents, record labels and publishing representatives while strengthening their creative practice and professional skills.

Throughout the residency, fellows will have access to studio facilities to write, rehearse, record and develop new work. They will also participate in professional development opportunities, industry networking and public presentation opportunities through Powerhouse, Sound NSW and Blacktown Arts.

Now entering its seventh year, the Generations fellowship has become a proven pathway for emerging artists, helping participants develop new music, expand their industry networks and reach wider audiences.

Since launching in 2020, the program has supported a diverse cohort of musicians from across western Sydney, many of whom have gone on to release new work, perform at major events and festivals, and build sustainable careers in the music industry. As a result, the initiative remains reflective of Sound NSW’s commitment to equity, access, and long-term investment in talent development, as outlined in the NSW Contemporary Music Strategy.

Applications for the 2027 Generations – Western Sydney Music Fellowship are now open and will close on Monday 16 November 2026. To help artists learn more about the fellowship and navigate the application process, Sound NSW, in partnership with Powerhouse and Blacktown Arts, will host both online and in-person information sessions. The online session will be held on Monday 9 November from 11am to 11.45am, and the in-person session will be held at Powerhouse Parramatta on Wednesday 11 November from 6pm to 7pm. To register and for more details on the fellowship visit the website at:  Generations – Western Sydney Music Fellowship | NSW Government.

Head of Sound NSW, Emily Collins said:

‘Western Sydney continues to produce some of the most exciting new voices in Australian music. Over the past couple of years the Generations Fellowship has played a role in supporting artists including FRIDAY*, gemma ylana, xiao xiao and RISSA, helping them develop their practice, expand their networks and continue building their careers.’

‘By providing emerging artists with mentorship, professional connections and space to create, the fellowship invests in the future of NSW music. Sound NSW is proud to continue this partnership with Powerhouse and Blacktown Arts to support the next generation of artists from Western Sydney.’

Powerhouse Acting Chief Executive Abbie Galvin said:

‘Since 2020, the Generations Fellowship has connected unique and original voices in Western Sydney with industry professionals, fostering new music that celebrates musical excellence in NSW. Powerhouse is proud to collaborate with Sound NSW and Blacktown Arts to support new, emerging artists, and foster artist development across the state’s music industry.’

Blacktown City Council Chief Executive Officer Kerry Robinson OAM said:

‘Supporting artists is part of Council’s investment in the cultural life of our city. Through Blacktown Arts and our partnership with Powerhouse and Sound NSW, this fellowship gives emerging Western Sydney musicians access to funding, studio space and experienced industry mentors. It’s a practical way Council can help artists develop their work here in Blacktown and connect with opportunities across the music industry.’

2026 Generations Fellow Himadri Chakraborty from xiao xiao said:

‘The resources provided by the Generations Fellowship, along with the studio space, gave us the perfect opportunity to find ourselves as artists, creatives and musicians. During the fellowship xiao xiao performed live, learned heaps about artistry and started to make music we’re genuinely proud of.’

2026 Generations Fellow RISSA said:

‘The Generations Fellowship has allowed me to amplify my career and connect with industry leaders to help shape my next release and overall growth as an independent artist. As a Campbelltown local, I’m excited to hear the music and see the talent that develops from future iterations of the Generations Fellowship and see Western Sydney’s cultural voice continue to grow and be empowered.’

This project is presented by Sound NSW, Powerhouse and Blacktown Arts, with support from Blacktown City Council.