Breakthrough Indigenous contemporary music pilot initiative

“The fact is that contemporary Indigenous music is one of the most important vehicles for young Indigenous people in this country to express their creativity and their culture...”
- Peter Garrett, Minister for the Arts

Breakthrough is a pilot initiative of the Cultural Ministers Council External link which aims to take Indigenous contemporary music to a wider listening audience. Breakthrough is one of the outcomes of the Indigenous Contemporary Music Action Plan .

In December 2009, the Minister for the Arts announced on behalf of the CMC the continuation of Breakthrough for a further 12 months. Applications for Breakthrough funding close at 5pm on Friday 19 February 2010.

The aim of Breakthrough is to support emerging Indigenous musicians/groups to produce a high quality recording of a CD, suitable for broadcasting and commercial release. It is hoped this will provide greater exposure for the talent and creativity of Indigenous musicians as well as increase national and international audiences for Indigenous contemporary music.

Breakthrough will fund up to $25,000 per successful applicant to help produce a high quality recording of their CD. This funding can also assist with:

Studio and equipment hire
Production fees
Mixing fees
Artwork
CD manufacturing
Engineering fees
Mastering fees
Musician fees (to be confirmed)
Publicity and media costs

Breakthrough applications

Applications are invited for Breakthrough funding, using the application form and guidelines. Applications are due at 5pm on Friday 19 February 2010.

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For more information phone the project officer on 02 6275 9615 or email contemporary.music@environment.gov.au.

Breakthrough selection panel

The Breakthrough selection panel comprises Christine Anu, Rhoda Roberts and Rob Collins, all industry professionals specialising in contemporary Indigenous music.

Breakthrough recipients

The interest in the first round of Breakthrough was great. There were enquiries from around Australia, and in the end 42 applications were submitted.

The successful recipients of Breakthrough funding are:

Busby Marou—alternative/country duo from Rockhampton QLD
Leah Flanagan Band—country/folk/world music band from Darwin NT
Microwave Jenny—folk/jazz duo based in NSW Central Coast and Wagga Wagga
Stiff Gins—folk/country duo from Sydney, NSW
Street Warriors—hip hop/rap group of three from Newcastle and Sydney, NSW

Related media releases

Minister for the Arts - More Indigenous artists to get the chance to Breakthrough
Minister for the Arts - Indigenous music experts on Breakthrough panel
Minister for the Arts - Indigenous contemporary musicians receive Breakthrough
Minister for the Arts - Breakthrough for Indigenous musicians

Image details

Tessa Nuku and Brendon Boney of Microwave Jenny

Photo: John Brash

Arts and Culture