We're the peak body for contemporary music in New South Wales - here for the artists, communities and music businesses that make this state's culture what it is.

We exist to build a stronger, more equitable and sustainable music ecosystem across the state, with the wellbeing of artists at the centre of all that we do.

As a non-government, not-for-profit organisation, we have proudly delivered impact for NSW artists and music businesses since 1998.

Whether you’re an artist, music industry worker or just a fan of NSW music, you are welcome here. Join to receive tailored advice and support, access to our programs, resources and initiatives and to add your voice to our advocacy. Membership is free - join our community HERE.

Check out our What We Do page for info on all of our programs across the state.

We support artists and music industry workers wherever they live in NSW. We have team members based across the state - have a look to find your local coordinator and get in touch.

Check out our Resource Library to dive into our extensive suite of resources and get in contact so we can help you connect the dots.

MusicNSW is an independent, not-for-profit organisation - not a government body. We’re led by a Managing Director, run by a team and governed by a Board. We do receive government funding and work collaboratively with government - advocating on behalf of artists and working towards a healthier, more sustainable sector. But we’re independent. It’s confusing, we know!

No, we’re the state’s peak music body, not a funding organisation. We believe governments should invest in music and the arts, and we advocate strongly for that. But we don’t distribute arts funding ourselves. For a list of current funding and other opportunities see our Funding & Opportunities Calendar.

A peak body is a non-government organisation that represents the best interests of a specific community or sector. We advocate, lobby government, provide resources and guidance, and are generally recognised as the primary voice for contemporary music in NSW - representing artists and music businesses, with a focus on the grassroots.

We use the term contemporary music to refer to any new and original music written, produced, performed or recorded by an artist, regardless of genre or commercial intention.

We use the term artist to refer to those who engage in the process of creating, performing, or recording music. We acknowledge that artists themselves use diverse terminology (music-making, songwriting, playing, producing, performing, etc.) to describe their practice, and we honour these self-definitions.

We use the term industry to describe the network of businesses, professionals, and organisations involved in the commercial advancement of music across NSW, nationally, and internationally.

We use the term sector to acknowledge the overlap of many interconnected music industries. Distinct industries include recording, publishing, live performance and music education.

Ecosystem thinking enables us to recognise the interdependence of diverse participants in the music community. Like in the natural world, a sustainable music ecosystem thrives on diversity, collaboration, and mutual support.

We use the term scene to describe music and music-making as a practice embedded in specific communities of creators, performers, organisers, participants, and audiences, often centred around geographic locations, genres, or cultural identities.

We use the term grassroots to describe artists and industry workers who operate independently, emerging organically from local communities rather than from established commercial interests. They build audiences through direct participation in music scenes and prioritise authenticity, creative freedom, and community connection - from the ground up.