Music mentoring program and paid performance opportunity at Darwin Festival!
LAUNCH and Darwin Festival have partnered to provide an opportunity for local, young musicians to receive music mentoring and play on The Darwin Port Bandstand at Darwin Festival 2026!
You’ll have a professional musician mentoring you as you prepare for your festival performance. This will include professional development workshops, a professional photo shoot and support at the final performance. Read more and apply below!
Oh and it’s FREE!
What you get
- Paid gig on The Darwin Port Bandstand in Festival Park
- Professional musician mentor to support you to make the most of this opportunity
- Access to new audiences
- Professional skills development
- Professional quality press pic and bio
- Networking with industry professionals
Eligibility
- Age 15-25 and live, work or study in Darwin
- A soloist, duo or trio with a minimum of 20 minutes of original music (can include one cover)
- OR a band with a minimum of 45 minutes of original music (can include one cover)
- Your music is appropriate for a broad audience and is family friendly (no explicit content)
- Have examples of your music and live performance you can submit
- Are committed to working on your professional practice
- Strong administration and communication skills including responding promptly to emails and texts, meeting deadlines and showing up on time
- Be available to play at Darwin Festival between August 5-23
Project Timeline
February 16 – Applications open
March 8 – Applications close
March – Artist selected
April – Group induction/music workshop
April – Photo shoot
May – Darwin Festival program launch + artist announcement
May-August – Mentoring sessions
August 5-23 – Performance at Darwin Festival
September – Program wrap up and debrief