Worth $50,000, it was set up from last year to help fund a trip overseas for an emerging Australian act. It is part of a sponsorship deal that Carlton Dry and AIR struck, and will be announced at the Carlton Dry Independent Music Awards in October.
Applicants must be an Australian artist or band who is self-released or released by an independent label. The prize money must be used exclusively to help the artist tour, showcase, record or relocate overseas to further their career.
David Vodicka, Chairman of the AIR board said, “This grant is something that AIR is very proud of. We can’t think of a more direct way to help a great emerging artist in their career. The fact that the whole thing was instigated by Carlton Dry shows the value of our partnership with them.”
Rob Elder, Brand Manager for Carlton Dry added, “There is so much talent in Australian music right now and the grant is a way we can support young artists and give them the opportunity to take their music overseas. We can’t wait to see the entries that come in this year.”
Applications close on Monday September 1, with entries judged by a panel of industry executives. Go to their website for more details and to apply.
Last year’s inaugural $50,000 grant went to King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. It helped fund a recent tour of the US, with shows in Dallas, Chicago and Washington, a slot on the Austin Psychfest, residencies in New York City and additional dates in Canada. The prize money was also used to rent a ranch for a month in upstate New York where they worked on a new record.
