Community & Business
23 October, 2026
Calling young songwriters
A LOCAL musician has established a Young Australian Artist Grant in the hopes of propelling the next generation of songwriters further into their creative endeavours.
Country artist Victoria Crosby is trying to inspire young creatives to step into their passions with the launch of the annual Victoria Crosby Young Australian Artist Grant.
The $1,000 grant, personally funded by Victoria, will support an emerging Australian singer-songwriter aged 18-25 looking to take the next step in their musical journey.
It is intended to help with music-related expenses such as recording, mixing or mastering, demos, music videos, instruments or essential equipment, marketing, PR, distribution, travel related to music, songwriting, or professional development.
The grant has been created around something Victoria believes is at the heart of great country music: a good song and a good story.
“I wanted to create something that could give a young songwriter a genuine helping hand,” she said.
“You don’t have to have a record deal, thousands of followers or a huge catalogue of music. I want to hear the person behind the songs, their story, what inspires them and what they want to do with their music.”
Applicants will be asked to submit examples of their original music as well as a short video introducing themselves and talking about their musical journey.
The grant is designed to look beyond commercial success, with applications considered around songwriting, storytelling, authenticity and potential.
Victoria is also approaching members of the national music industry about providing additional support to the successful artist.
“The $1,000 is the starting point,” she said.
“I’d love to see other people in the industry get behind the idea and give the winner opportunities that could help them beyond the financial contribution.”
Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents and original songwriting must be central to their work. Contemporary country, country-rock and country-pop artists are welcome to apply.
Applications for the Victoria Crosby Young Australian Artist Grant opened on 1 October and will close on 30 April 2027, with the inaugural winner being announced on 27 May.
For more information or to apply, visit https://victoriacrosby.com/the-victoria-crosby-young-australian-artist-grant
