Continuing on from the theme discussed in my last post, of the struggles Australian artists have in establishing a name for themselves and the issue of money, there have been a number of programs set up to help out emerging artists.
The JB SEED: an arts grant fund
The JB Seed project was established by John Butler and his partner Danielle, with the idea “to pull together the established and the emerging within the arts community to share resources and knowledge, subsequently creating a sense of community. This is achieved while maintaining the flexibility to operate in a responsive manner, to offer what artists in the establishment phase of their career require to assist them in becoming self sustained.” (John Butler)
Currently in its fourth year running, the project is supported by a number of fellow artists, including, Paul Kelly, Missy Higgns, The Waifs, Blue King Brown, as well as key music industry professionals. There are 4 categories that artists can apply to participate in:
- Indigenous Recording: record a 5-track original EP, transport, accommodation & living expenses covered, artwork budget and manufacture of 1000 CDs
- Professional & Skills Development: grants up to $3000, undertaking further study, residencies, mentoring relationships, seminars or conferences with recognised practitioner/s of excellence.
- Social Activism through the Arts: grants up to $5000, projects or initiatives that serve to educate and/or create debate and awareness on current, socially relevant issues.
- Management Workshop Initiative: 25 positions available, practical strategies for managing a band or performer in the establishment phase of their career.
“triple j Unearthed is all about fresh Australian music” (Triple J). Unearthed is a branch of Triple J (a radio & TV program that is all to do with music). Unearthed provides opportunities for mostly emerging and unknown artists to get their music heard. The Unearthed music charts run continually, with the artists position on the charts determined by what listeners and Triple J judges think.
Opportunities available include:
- airplay on Triple J national radio
- free promotion through being a feature artist
- chance to perform at a number of leading Australian festivals including: Big Day Out, Homebake, One Night Stand, Falls Festival & Come Together Festival
Some artists who have benefited from unearthed include Missy Higgins, Grinspoon & Killing Heidi
My boyfriends band have also benefited from Triple J Unearthed by winning the chance to perform at Come Together Festival 2007 along side a number of national and international artists. Due to this they received airplay on the radio
posted by Hannah
Hidden Track 
May 23, 2008 at 5:17 am
I never knew about funding from John Bulter, that is so interesting and inspiring that artist are helping inspiring artists rather than attempting to do the exact opposite – as we see much of that in American pop music media.
As for Triple J Unearthed, it seems that bands/artists that have been discovered through the competition have gained greater careers than those who have won others such as “Australian Idol”. I find that Triple J has more credibility than main stream competitions/talent searches that are run so obviously to generate income. The time that is given to find and experiment with different types of music genres (as does JJJ) is much more fulfilling to the listeners than the main stream pop charts.
May 25, 2008 at 5:04 pm
I think it’s great that these sorts of things exist to help artists gain recognition and truly explore their art. There is so much talent out there that is yet to be discovered, so hopefully these can help and others will spring up that will help as well.