FUTURE FOLK APPLICATIONS

Future Folk Applications for the 2025 Festival are now closed!

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Dreaming of performing at Port Fairy Folk Festival?

Future Folk is your chance to make it happen

Applications open on 31 July for the 2026Future Folk program – a unique artist development and performance opportunity for young musicians from south-west Victoria.

Delivered in partnership with Port Fairy Folk Festival and Moyne Shire Council, this initiative supports up to twelve emerging solo artists, duos or bands aged 12 – 25 through performance, mentorship, and industry experience.

Now in its fourth year, Future Folk also includes an exciting ongoing partnership with Queenscliff Music Festival (QMF) – providing additional performance opportunities and extending the reach of this regional talent platform.

As a 2026 Future Folk artist, you’ll receive:

Performance Opportunities

20-minute live set at Fiddlers Green during Port Fairy Folk Festival
Featured spot in the Festival Arena program
The chance to be selected for a follow-up performance at the Queenscliff Music Festival 2026

Mentorship and development

Mentoring sessions with music industry professionals
Two one-one mentoring sessions with professional artists

Paid Performance

All selected artists will be paid for their performance at Port Fairy Folk Festival

Eligibility and How to Apply:

Open to musicians aged 12 to 25 from south-west Victoria.
Applications open 31 July and close Friday 21 September 2025
Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 3 October 2025
All selected artists must attend a compulsory Online program overview session

Apply

Apply from 31 July to build your skills, connect with industry mentors, and perform on some of the most iconic stages in regional Victoria.

Future Folk is delivered in partnership with Port Fairy Folk Festival and Moyne Shire Council’s AMPLIFY program, with funding by the Victorian Government.