This is the fourth year that philanthropic muso John Butler has offered up cash to struggling musos through his JB Seed Grant Program. In that time the JB Seed Grant Program has received over 900 applications and funded 115 projects.
Butler’s grant program sees new musicians pairing up with their more experienced counterparts to explore opportunities and share resources. One of the highlights of the program is the Management Workshop which allows emerging managers to create national networks of support. Some of the feedback from the attendees at last year’s workshop include:
“It’s totally inspirational to find so many people, particularly those at the top of the music industry in Australia, share the same love of music and to know that’s what has driven them to achieve their success. The JB Seed has been life changing for me. Thanks so much.”
Dave Mann, The Dave Mann Collective, WA.
“I have to give out a massive thanks for this forum, it proved the music industry isn’t just full of sharks, you guys are guiding a great future for Australian Music.”
Marcus Ross, Direct Influence, VIC.
The category has proven so popular it is becoming a main stay of the fund with 25 new applicants to be awarded places for the workshop this year.
Also following on from the success of the Indigenous Hip Hop Recording Competition in 2007, The JB Seed is now broadening this category by opening it up to all music genres.
This year also sees the inclusion of some new funding opportunities created to honour the memory and the tireless work of the late Jacqui McCoy (Geia).
Speaking of the JB Seed John Butler offered the following comment:
“When starting The JB Seed 5 years ago, Danielle and I always hoped it would one day grow into something bigger than just a grants body funded by the Trio’s success. As the years have passed our expectations have been surpassed by the generosity of so many. The fund has become bigger than the sum of its parts with contributions, financial and in kind, from artists and associates including the legendary Paul Kelly and Missy Higgins, industry icons Sebastian Chase (MGM Distribution), *Richard Kingsmil*l (Triple J), and John Woodruff (Rough Cut Music). Other arts philanthropists who have also been moved to contribute include Maureen Ritchie and Paul Gilding (ECOSCORP). As the fund grows I am continually excited by the potential impact the successful applicants can have on the Australian arts community. Bring it on.”
For full details of the available grants click “HERE”: http://www.thejbseed.com
