ABC Classic and ABC Jazz have launched a new music commissioning fund intended to support the creation of new music from emerging and diverse Australian voices. According to the ABC, the $90,000 fund will develop creative talent from under-represented groups by prioritising opportunities for women, Indigenous Australians, culturally and linguistically diverse artists, gender diverse artists, LGBTQI+ artists and differently abled artists.

William Barton and Veronique SerretWilliam Barton and Véronique Serret were recipients of the Fresh Start Fund in 2020. Photo © Alex Houy/ABC Classic

It follows the success of last year’s Fresh Start initiative, which saw ABC Classic and ABC Jazz commission 25 new Australian works in order to provide support for the arts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In 2020, the ABC’s Fresh Start Fund gave opportunities to hundreds of classical and jazz composers and musicians at a time when their industry was in dire straits,” said ABC Classic and ABC Jazz Content Manager Toby Chadd. “It was the biggest music commissioning project in the history of the ABC and it was more than a rescue package – out of it came a range of music that reflects Australia today. And we’ve heard from...