Future folk musicians development program

Future folk program

Celebrating emerging talent from south-west Victoria

The future folk program is 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, the initiative supports up to twelve emerging solo artists, duos, or bands aged 12 to 25 through live performance, mentorship, and hands-on industry experience.

Now in its fourth year, future folk continues to grow with an ongoing partnership with Queenscliff Music Festival, giving participants additional opportunities to perform and connect with new audiences across the state.

Announcing the 2026 future folk line-up

We’re thrilled to introduce the ten outstanding young artists selected for the 2026 future folk young musician development program.

Bonnie Jackson, Grace Watt, Harriet Wraith, Isla Dixon, Jasmin Adria, Lucy Joy, Maeve Grieve, Mathilde Anne, Rupert Bullard, and the Sam Curtis Collective.

As part of the 2026 Port Fairy Folk Festival, these emerging artists will receive one-on-one and group mentoring from established musicians, take part in professional development workshops, and perform in front of festival audiences. Each artist or group will present a 20-minute set on Fiddlers Green and feature in a songwriters circle on the festival’s main stage.

How to apply for future folk 2027

Are you a young musician from south-west Victoria ready to take the next step? Applications for the 2027 future folk program will open in September 2026.

Eligibility:

• Open to musicians aged 12 to 25 living in south-west Victoria
• selected artists must attend a compulsory online program overview session.

Further details on how to apply will be announced later in 2026.

Future Folk is delivered in partnership with Port Fairy Folk Festival and Moyne Shire Council’s AMPLIFY program, with support from the Victorian government.