During an announcement on Tuesday, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk unveiled a funding increase of nearly $4 million for QMusic's BIGSOUND event.
To be rolled out over the next four years, the funding boost aims to enhance the global profile of Queensland's contemporary music and artists while supporting the growth of First Nations music.
The primary objective is to draw international talent specifically to BIGSOUND, with a focus on creating key partnerships and initiatives to expand visitor numbers and highlight local First Nations talent alongside top global artists.
At the heart of the Queensland Government's funding allocation is the Goolwal Goolwal initiative, which is centered on First Nations culture and will be integrated into BIGSOUND.
A vital component of this initiative is the creation of the Yada Yutta-ba, a First Nations-led hub that will offer a refuge for First Nations artists, conference speakers, and delegates.
The funding increase was revealed during the Queensland Music Awards in Brisbane, a highly anticipated evening where the music industry gathers to recognise and applaud the exceptional talent of Queensland's local musicians.
At the event, several individuals were recognized for their accomplishments, including NEISH, who was awarded the Billy Thorpe Scholarship, Sahara Beck, who received the Grant McLennan Fellowship, and Platonic Sex, who won the Carol Lloyd Award.
In addition, QMusic unveiled a brand new scholarship in honor of the late Dennis 'Mop' Conlon, a cherished music icon from Cherbourg. The scholarship worth $15,000, will focus on ushering in a new generation of artists.
The new scholarship, which opens for application on April 4th, joins a suite of music awards funded by the Queensland Government which also includes he Grant McLennan Fellowship, Carol Lloyd Award and the Billy Thorpe Scholarship.
"The winner tonight is our thriving Queensland music industry," Queensalnd Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said.
"I congratulate the winners of tonight's QMA's and also welcome this important funding boost for BIGSOUND to help launch First Nations artists globally.
"The Goolwal Goolwal initiative and First Nations programming at BIGSOUND has the potential for Queensland to lead the national music industry by embedding best practices.
"This includes Yada Yutta-ba (House of First People), a hub for First Nations artists and conference participants.
"In partnership with Triple A Murri Country Radio, Goolwal Goolwal will deliver significant market development opportunities for First Nations artists and create a global centre for First Nations music in Brisbane."
Queensland Premiere Annastacia Palascuzk noted "this new investment through BIGSOUND provides a unique opportunity to put Queensland at the forefront of Australia's First Nations contemporary music scene and strengthen our offering in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."
"BIGSOUND is set to provide a globally significant platform to showcase Queensland's music artists.
"The focus will be on celebrating local talent alongside elite music performers, exclusively secured to Queensland."
