Australian Music Foundation launches Inaugural First Nations Awards

The Australian Music Foundation is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural First Nations Awards, a new initiative dedicated to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students studying classical music in Australia.

For more than 50 years, the Foundation has supported outstanding young Australian musicians as they undertake advanced study overseas and establish international careers. The introduction of the First Nations Awards marks an important expansion of this commitment — ensuring that access to classical music education and opportunity begins earlier and reaches more young musicians across Australia.

The First Nations Awards will support Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students in Years 10–12 who are studying classical music, whether instrumental or vocal. Recipients will receive financial assistance to support lessons, instrument costs, transport and other essential expenses, alongside mentorship and guidance to help shape their musical pathway.

The programme has been developed in collaboration with our First Nations Advisor Nina Korbe, whose leadership has been central to shaping an approach grounded in respect, cultural understanding and long-term support.

The Australian Music Foundation believes that talent should never be limited by financial barriers. Through this new initiative, the Foundation reaffirms its commitment to excellence, access and opportunity — recognising the deep cultural traditions of First Nations peoples and supporting young musicians as they carry their stories and aspirations into the future.

For further information and to receive notification when applications open, please register for the First Nations Awards mailing list.