A new grant program has been established to empower the post-COVID creativity and careers of musicians with disability in NSW.

Sound On is an initiative of Accessible Arts which will provide individual grants of up to $6000 for musicians who identify as d/Deaf or disabled or who have a chronic illness or mental health condition.

The grants can be for the development of new work, to undertake a NSW-based mentorship, or to tour throughout NSW. Projects must be completed between 1 April and 30 June 2021 and may include, but are not limited to:

• Album, EP, or single song recording
• Album, EP, or single song release, PR and marketing
• Composition of new work
• Exploring new collaborations in the creation of new work
• Undertaking NSW based mentorship with an established NSW musician
• City based musicians touring regional NSW
• Regional musicians performing in metropolitan areas

Funded through Create NSW’s Arts Restart program, Sound On aims to support musicians with disability to reenergize following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Accessible Arts Interim CEO Morwenna Collett: “The music industry has been one of the hardest hit sectors during the pandemic so this initiative will be an extremely welcome way for musicians with disability to get their mojo back.

“Artists with disability already have a range of professional barriers to contend with – such as discrimination, access issues and negative attitudes – so we’re very pleased to be providing some specific assistance to help them recover from the impact that COVID has had on their lives.

“It’s also great that the distinctive and compelling creativity of musicians with disability will be nurtured through this initiative and that audiences across NSW will potentially have more opportunities to enjoy the diverse richness of their music and performance.”

Applicants can be emerging, mid-career, or established musicians and can apply as individuals, groups or organisations. Applications can be made in a range of accessible formats. The deadline for applications is 5pm Monday 15 March.

For more information or to apply please visit: https://aarts.net.au/sound-on/

ENDS

Image Description: The words SOUND and ON are stacked in a white font in capital letters with a lime green sound wave on either side of the word ON. The letter O in ON is a power on icon.