LOVE LIVE MUSIC AND WANT TO HOST YOUR OWN GIGS? APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE ACTIVATING ALTERNATIVE SPACES WORKSHOPS.
Are you 18-30 and living in Western Sydney? Do you dream about working behind the scenes at shows, or building the kind of music spaces you want to see in your community?
This brand-new series of free workshops and mentoring sessions for early-career artists, event producers and creatives is your chance to learn how to curate, plan, and deliver gigs in alternative spaces (think: barbershops, carparks, art studios - not just clubs and pubs). Up to 10 people will be selected to be mentored and guided by some of the most respected names in Western Sydney music as you create your own all-ages event.
No prior experience needed, just curiosity, drive, and a love for music.
APPLY FOR THE ACTIVATING ALTERNATIVE SPACES WORKSHOPS NOW
Apply by 16 June for the opportunity to bring your ideas to life from the ground up and learn, grow, and become a driving force in your local music scene.
If you have any questions, contact our Western Sydney Coordinator, Kelly Hellmrich at kelly@musicnsw.com.
KEY DATES
- Registrations open: 4 June 2025
- Registrations close: 16 June 2025
- Successful applicants contacted: 18 June 2025
Applicants must be available for these workshop dates at these locations:
- June 26 6-7pm Street University, Mount Druitt
- July 3 6-7pm Street University, Mount Druitt
- July 10 6-7pm Blacktown Arts
- July 17 6-7pm Blacktown Arts
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
WHO CAN APPLY FOR THE ACTIVATING ALTERNATIVE SPACES WORKSHOPS?
We are looking for up to 10 people to participate in the Activating Alternative Spaces Workshops who are:
- Aged 18-30
- Based in Western Sydney (Mt Druitt, Blacktown, Penrith, Parramatta and surrounds)
- Passionate about music and community
- Ready to collaborate and commit to a program that’s hands-on and rewarding
- Keen to learn how to make music events happen, without needing a huge budget or venue
WHAT WILL I LEARN AT THE WORKSHOPS?
Throughout this hands-on, four-part program, you will learn:
- How to develop an idea and curate a lineup that reflects your community and culture
- How to find and use DIY spaces in creative, meaningful ways
- Practical skills in budgeting, run sheets, artist comms, and production
- How to brand and promote your event using grassroots marketing
- How to create safe, inclusive and alcohol-free spaces for your audience
You’ll also have access to industry mentors, support with your planning, and the opportunity to build your own network of creatives and collaborators across Western Sydney.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM UNAVAILABLE FOR A WORKSHOP DATE?
We encourage applicants who are interested in the workshops to be available to attend all listed dates at the listed locations:
- June 26 6-7pm Street University, Mount Druitt
- July 3 6-7pm Street University, Mount Druitt
- July 10 6-7pm Blacktown Arts
- July 17 6-7pm Blacktown Arts
If for any reason you are unable to attend, please contact our Western Sydney Coordinator, Kelly Hellmrich at kelly@musicnsw.com.
For access enquiries please contact Kelly Hellmrich at kelly@musicnsw.com.
MusicNSW works on unceded land across the state. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and extend those respects to the First Nations peoples of NSW and beyond. Always was, always will be.
MusicNSW is supported by Create NSW, Sound NSW and APRA AMCOS.