The Robert Stigwood Fellowship Program, named after the late music manager and producer, is open to both artists and music industry entrepreneurs. It brings assistance in developing music and business skills, mentorship and collaboration opportunities, and help to forge industry connections overseas.

Arts Minister Jack Snelling says the fellowships aim to build the South Australian music industry by helping develop sustainable careers so artists don’t have to move interstate.

“The Stigwood Fellowships are unique in that they really are about spotting talent, developing artists by tailoring an individualised career pathway for the artists and industry figures involved,” the Minister said.

Indie/alt/rock singer-songwriter Timberwolf – a current Stigwood Fellow and winner of the 2015 SA Music Awards’ Best Songwriter and Best Male Artist titles – said the program had helped him to record the first half of his debut full-length record, due for release later this year, and perform with a band at Canadian Music Week.

Other 2015 Fellows – which included Grenadiers, SKIES and Horror My Friend – had the chance to showcase their music at this month’s The Great Escape Festival in the UK and at the Bigsound music industry conference and festival in Brisbane.

TKay Maidza, named Best Female Artist at the 2015 SA Music Awards, was one of the 2014 recipients, alongside rockers Bad // Dreams, former Triple J Unearthed High finalist Jesse Davidson, and duo Echo and the Empress, who now perform as Auguste.

The closing date for entries for the 2016 Robert Stigwood Fellowship Program is June 10, with more information available here.