BIGSOUND set to go virtual and free with 2020 event

BIGSOUND has confirmed it will still be delivering on its commitment to "deliver for artists, be the place of the big discussions for industry," and "be front and centre in bringing the community together at a time that has never been more important" with a revised program announced for its 2020 edition today. Moving to a virtual and free event, the conference cited "ongoing COVID-19 restrictions and domestic border closures," as reasons behind the pivot, but has assured they are pulling out all the stops to make sure it is just as impactful as ever in a time when its needed most.

According to a press statement, BIGSOUND "will focus on three pillars of community, survival, and re-futuring" in 2020, and has "custom-built" a program "for the challenges and awakenings that 2020 has delivered."

“BIGSOUND has always been about bringing our business and arts community together and while we were hopeful of being in our spiritual home in the Fortitude Valley live music precinct, 2020 has made other arrangements,” said QMusic CEO Angela Samut.

“It has never been more important for the Australian industry to come together to focus on survival and re-futuring with a program that offers a mainstream conference program, professional development and mental health activities as well as the introduction of The BIGSOUND 50.”

The BIGSOUND50 is a new initiative that will see co-programmers Dom Miller and Ruby-Jean McCabe, alongside First Nations Programmer Alethea Beetson, select and curate 50 of the best artist applications to spotlight the next crop of emerging Australian music talent. These artists will not only get first priority for BIGSOUND 2021 applications, but also will receive "one-on-ones with industry mentors, online meetings with industry professionals, and opportunities to connect with relevant delegates both during and after BIGSOUND in a unique program to help assist their artist growth, career goals, and potential future pathways."

Furthermore, BIGSOUND will also once again feature First Nations House in partnership with Spotify virtually, with an aim to provide a poignant and important program of domestic and international delegates discussing the future of the music industry, creating virtual performance opportunities and offering valuable connections to those across the music industry from a First Nations perspective.

If you had already purchased your BIGSOUND 2020 ticket, you'll be eligible for a full refund. For more information, head HERE.

Words by Emma Jones

Image: Supplied

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PS APPROVED: BIGSOUND 2019