MusicNSW is proud to introduce Wamarra Music Lab, a new opportunity for emerging First Nations Music Business Leaders.
If you are a First Nations person running a music business - anything from an artist management company, PR agency or music consultancy, to a venue, festival or record label, Wamarra Music Lab is an opportunity for you to develop vital skills and build relationships to help you grow your business.
Applications are open now for Wamarra Music Lab - a 5-day First Nations-led incubator program designed to support the development of First Nations music businesses.
This program has been developed by MusicNSW First Nations Development Manager Kaleena Smith and is open to First Nations business leaders from across the country. Our vision is for a thriving, culturally safe, visible, diverse, financially secure and self-determined First Nations music sector - with more First Nations owned and operated music businesses, and more First Nations folks in leadership roles within the industry.
KEY DATES & DETAILS
The Wamarra Music Lab is a 5-day incubator program running from 4 - 8 May 2026 in Sydney (Gadigal) and includes all domestic travel, accommodation and meals.
- Applications open: 4 November 2025 AEDT
- Applications close: 5.00pm, 9 December 2025 AEDT
- Successful applicants notified: January 2026
WHO CAN APPLY
Applications are open to individuals who:
- Lead an active First Nations-led music business (not including artists or self-managed artists)
- Are aged 18+ years
- Identify as a First Nations person (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander)
- Are an Australian citizen or permanent resident living and working in Australia
Have at least 2 years experience in the music industry - Are available to travel to Sydney, NSW and participate in person between Monday 4 - Friday 8 May, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I’m not based in NSW, can I still apply?
Yes, this program is open to First Nations music business owners from anywhere in Australia.
Is there any cost to participate?
No, Wamarra Music Lab includes all domestic travel, accommodation and meals for the residency period.
I’m a self-managed artist, can I apply?
This program is not intended for artists who are self-managed. Instead, it is focused on music businesses providing other services in the music sector, such as artist management, PR, venues, events and festivals, or record label services, for example.
Can I send more than one person to attend?
Applications are limited to one person per organisation.
What kind of business do I need to be running?
This program is intended for people who have started and are operating a music business. This may include sole traders or people using other business structures. You might run an artist management company, PR agency, community music space or venue, a record label, a festival, or a music consultancy, for example.
What do I need to supply in my application?
You will need to provide a short bio or one-page summary of you and your music business, links such as your website, social media, press kit (if available) and information about your readiness for music business growth, cultural values and community engagement.
What will happen and what will I learn at the Lab?
Through workshops, masterclasses and opportunities for shared reflection, participants will explore key areas including branding and storytelling, marketing, financial planning, legal protection, innovation, and strategic growth. The full program will be released in early 2026 to selected participants.
How will applications be assessed?
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Demonstrated readiness for music business growth
- Demonstrated cultural values and community engagement
Still got questions?
If you have any questions about this application you can book a catch up to discuss your application with First Nations Development Manager Kaleena Smith.
MusicNSW's Wamarra Music Lab is supported by Sound NSW and Creative Australia.
'Wamarra Music Lab' artwork by Jessica Johnson, Nungala Creative