West Australian Music (WAM), the peak body for contemporary music in WA, welcomes the announcement of support for WA’s contemporary music industry from a re-elected Cook Government. Including:
$1.2m per annum for the Contemporary Music Fund, the fund plays a vital role supporting WA bands and artists. This Fund was due to expire in 2025 and the 60% increase in funding available will provide vital support for local musicians.
$750,000 for WAM to promote live music, publicise gigs and prioritise audience development across the state. Importantly, WAM will collaborate and work local music stalwarts at RTRFM in the rollout of this initiative.
$125,000 per annum for four years to support WAM’s flagship event – WA Music Week, which features WAM’s annual industry development conference (WAMCon), and industry showcase festival of local music (WAMFest) alongside a week of local gigs.
This announcement is a recognition of the value local contemporary music and artists bring to WA, and of WAM’s role in supporting them. It comes off the back of an announcement in mid-last year of a new two-year funding arrangement for WAM of $500,000 per annum.
Owen Whittle, newly appointed WAM Chief Executive Officer, said that:
“The Contemporary Music Fund has been a vital support for local music in WA, making the impossible possible.
“The barriers for WA bands to tour the east coast and overseas can be prohibitively expensive and financially crippling. Along with the support for professional development and creating music, it provides invaluable support and helps create and promote WA’s incredible music scene.
“The Cook Governments commitment to be a partner with WAM for WA Music Week across four years, will eliminate funding uncertainty for WA’s premier music major event and will allow long-term planning to deliver professional development to our sector, and to promote WA Music, artists and venues.
“Additionally, the announcement of a music promotion fund, to allow for deep and meaningful work to promote gigs and publicise local music. WAM will work tirelessly to connect more punters to gigs to support both venues and artists.”
Al Taylor, WAM President, said that:
“We welcome this record investment in WA’s contemporary music industry. It will go a long way in making a meaningful difference for artists, venues, and audiences across the state.”
“The Cook Government’s commitment is a testament to the vital role the music industry plays in shaping WA’s cultural identity, driving economic activity, and building vibrant communities. This support not only recognises the importance of the sector but also ensures that WAM can continue its transformation to be fit for purpose—ready to deliver impactful outcomes for the industry. We look forward to working with our partners, venues, and artists to make WA’s music more accessible, celebrated, and sustainable than ever before”
-ENDS-
For all media enquiries, please contact Owen Whittle
E. communications@wam.org.au P. (08) 6156 1234
