Definitions of Contemporary Music vary but are generally focused around new, original music.
Here we share two key definitions set out by NSW and national music funding bodies, Sound NSW and Music Australia.
Sound NSW defines contemporary music as new and original music. Artists creating all kinds of new and original music are eligible to apply for support, except for creators of contemporary classical, contemporary opera, work for ensembles, experimental and sound art, or community arts projects. Artists creating these sorts of works are eligible to apply for support via the Create NSW Arts and Cultural Funding Program (ACFP).
In 2023, the Music Australia Council defined Australian contemporary music as any genre or subgenre of music currently composed, written, produced by Australians and licensed, recorded, presented, and distributed through commercial and non-commercial activity.
