Port Fairy Folk Festival opens applications for young emerging artist program

The performance and mentor opportunity of a lifetime awaits at Port Fairy Folk Festival.

Port Fairy Folk Festival has opened applications for its thriving and folk-futureproofing performer opportunity, Future Folk Young Musician Development program. The program sees young artists aged between 12 and 25 be mentored by established artists along with the chance to perform on the Port Fairy Folk Festival stages over the March long weekend.

Future Folk Young Musician Development

• Who: Open to artists between 12 to 25 years
• When: Applications close 21 September 2025 to play 6-9 March 2026
• Where: Perform at the Port Fairy Folk Festival

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The Future Folk program plays a significant role in the festival program, having successfully fostered the careers of numerous young artists since its inception. The Future Folk program provides a strong platform for emerging musicians to cultivate their skills and foster connections within the music community as well as gaining experience performing in front of a festival audience at Fiddlers Green and in a songwriters circle on a Folkie main stage. Applications are open to singers, songwriters, solo musicians or band members.

Port Fairy Folk Festival Program Director Justin Rudge says, “Port Fairy Folk Festival is proud to nurture the careers of young artists from the Southwest district through this important program that acts as a vessel for the future of music and live performance in regional Victoria. In 2025, we are proud to partner with Queenscliff Music Festival and share the incredible music of previous Future Folk artists with their audience.”

The program has provided numerous opportunities for graduates. Flynn Gurry went on to play the Triple J One Night Stand following his mentorship with Pierce Brothers. In November, Future Folk alumni Ruby McKenna and Kook Joey will join the Queenscliff Music Festival lineup in a collaboration between the two Victorian festivals.

Queenscliff Music Festival Director Claire Stickland says, “As part of our exciting ongoing partnership with Port Fairy Folk Festival, Kook Joey and Ruby McKenna join the Queenscliff Music Festival lineup as graduates of the Port Fairy Folk Festival and Moyne Shire’s Future Folk initiative. Catch these rising stars as they share their unique sounds across the festival weekend — ones to watch!”

Future Folk is delivered in partnership with Moyne Shire Council’s Amplify program, with funding provided by the Victorian Government to continue championing the Victorian music ecology.

The program has become a feature of the Port Fairy Folk Festival which aims to support young emerging musicians and provide local artists with opportunities that support their growth within the Australian music community.

It’s an invaluable opportunity for young artists to develop their discipline and build strong foundations for careers in the Australian music industry.

Artists aged between 12 to 25 can apply today at portfairyfolkfestival.com. Applications close 21 September 2025.

Port Fairy Folk Festival takes place in Port Fairy, Victoria over the Labour Day long weekend, 6-9 March 2026.