EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST OPEN FOR EMERGING ARTISTS TO PERFORM ON THE ACADEMY STAGE AT WOMADELAIDE 2027

For the second year, emerging South Australian artists are invited to apply to perform on The Academy Stage at WOMADelaide’s 35th anniversary festival, held at Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla from 5-8 March 2027.

The Academy Stage is the showcase stage for artists aged 18-30 from First Nations and culturally diverse backgrounds. It is part of the successful WOMADelaide x Northern Sound System (NSS) Academy, a music training and development program that began in 2020.

Since making its debut at WOMADelaide 2024 and featuring 25 diverse and dynamic emerging acts, curated by NSS, covering genres from hip-hop to folk, indie rock to experimental music and more, the expression of interest process has created the opportunity for a wider range of artists to throw their hat in the ring for their chance to perform at the worlds festival in it’s 35th anniversary year.

The Academy Stage has become a crowd favourite, where audiences can discover emerging, homegrown talent. For emerging artists, this offers an exciting opportunity to connect with new fans and share their music on a bigger scale.

The stage not only supports emerging young artists from First Nations and culturally diverse backgrounds across SA, it also features a vital training and skills development program for sound and stage technicians working on the stage, in partnership with Winanjjikari Music Centre from Barkly Regional Arts, based in regional NT. This year the stage will also give opportunities to emerging photographers who will capture The Academy Stage sets.

“I love seeing emerging local artists given the opportunity to shine, particularly on a stage that celebrates culture, creativity and diversity,” says Bianca Nilsson, Project Coordinator for the WOMADelaide x NSS Academy.

To be eligible to apply, artists/groups must be aged between 18-30, with at least 50% of the group’s members currently residing in SA and be able to perform a 30-minute set of original music. Applications are encouraged from artists of all genres and backgrounds who are keen to bring their creative energy to The Academy Stage at WOMADelaide.

For the full application criteria and to apply, click here and follow @northernsoundsystem on Instagram for updates.

EOIs open Monday 9th November and close 7th December.