In what is great news for the music industry in Australia, the organisers of BIGSOUND have confirmed that the 2020 edition will proceed. This will be sixth edition of this important showcase of the best and brightest of emerging talent within the music industry.
BIGSOUND will be held again in Fortitude Valley, over a condensed schedule of two days and nights, across Wednesday 21st October and Thursday 22nd October. The winning combination of conferences, workshops, facilitated conversations, live festival showcases, secret shows and official parties will be enjoyed by delegates.
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch, said in a press statement released today, “Beyond our ongoing long-term investment in QMusic, the Queensland Government has implemented more than $42.5 million worth of relief measures to the arts through COVID-19. This includes a recently announced $22.5 million Arts and Cultural Recovery Package offering funding specifically for the live music industry to assist venues to reopen and employ musicians.
The reactivation of Queensland’s live music industry is highly anticipated and I am confident that BIGSOUND will play a central role in Queensland’s plan for recovery.”
The organisers are aware of the restrictions placed on Victorians travelling to Queensland. Victorian artists are still encouraged to apply, and if restrictions are still in place the organisers have indicated that contingencies will be in place to participate remotely.
Janne Scott is the new Creative Director this year. Janne is the previous head of the BIGSOUND Visual Arts Program and retains her role as the Splendour In The Grass Senior Creative Manager.
Alethea Beetson returns as First Nations Producer and Programmer, having programmed the acclaimed BIGSOUND First Nations programs in 2018 and 2019.
Dominic Miller and Ruby-Jean McCabe join as Festival Co-Programmers
Due to social-distancing, numbers will be restricted, so get in quick to secure your tickets when they go on sale.
Artist applications open today at the event website HERE. Due to the shorter festival and restrictions on numbers, the artist application fees have been waived this year.
Early bird delegate pass sales open at 9am on Monday 3rd August. There will be a presale from Wednesday 29th July – get on their mailing list from their website HERE
Unfortunately, BIGTECH will not go ahead this year, but organisers have indicated that it will be back in 2021.
Photo of Sahara Beck at BIGSOUND 2018 by Jasmin Osman.
