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A new survey of First Nations musicians has delivered timely insights into the strengths, challenges and needs of the First Nations music sector - informing the music industry as it recovers from COVID-19, rebuilds and looks to the future.

some of the questions explored in the new survey of First Nations musicians include:
How do First Nations musicians feel about the music industry?; and
What are the key challenges and needs for the future growth of the sector?

The survey reflects respondents’ activities and attitudes prior to COVID-19.

The majority of First Nations musicians nominated their ability to inspire, challenge and build understanding between people as being among their greatest strengths, while as many as 73% found the lack of financial return for creative work was the greatest challenge.

Australia Council’s Executive Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Lydia Miller said the survey provides a timely glimpse into the experience of First Nations musicians and noted “the survey results provide insights to inform the music industry as it recovers, rebuilds and looks to the future – a future in which First Nations talent and artistry is nurtured, celebrated and central in the music industry and Australia’s culture.”

Miller said First Nations music plays a critical role in Australia’s music identity and added “the future growth of the First Nations music sector requires First Nations artists to be at the centre of dialogue and decision-making, driving the creative vision and empowered to step into their role as custodians of the oldest musical practice in the world, ensuring that the next generation can benefit through creativity and participate in a cultural future.”

Key findings:

• Strengths of being a First Nations musician include inspiring other First Nations artists (79%), opportunities to educate, challenge and build understanding with non-First Nations people (72%), and creating pathways for the next generations of First Nations musicians (69%).
• Many challenges were identified by respondents including lack of financial return from creative practice (73%), lack of time to do creative work due to other pressures and responsibilities (56%), and lack of access to funding or financial support (52%).
• The greatest needs were financial assistance (66%), recognition by the wider music industry (63%), and more networking opportunities (60%).

The Australia Council recognises the need to invest in and develop this sector to ensure opportunities for First Nations music artists continue to grow.  

The following opportunities are open now for First Nations musicians and artists:

• The First Nations Emerging Career Development Award for an Australian First Nations artist between 18-30 years old, living in Australia or overseas to pursue their professional development. Apply now before 28^th September.
• Funding through Cherish II open now until Tuesday 6th October 2020. 
• First Nations Contemporary Music Program open now until Tuesday 6th October. 
• The ARIA-PPCA-Australia Council First Nations Sound Recording Partnership offering five new grants to First Nations artists to support them to create recordings of new music. Open now until Tuesday 20th October.
• Nominations open now for the 2021 First Nations Arts Awards. Celebrate an artist who has made an impact on your life by nominating them for a Red Ochre Award for Outstanding Lifetime Achievement or the Dreaming Award for an Emerging Artist. Closing 7th December 2020.

Image: Stiff Gins performing at Sydney opera House. Credit: Flavia Rossler

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