The Robert Stigwood Fellowship Program provides mentorship and professional development to local musicians and industry entrepreneurs.
Named after South Australian music industry pioneer Robert Stigwood, the annual program is delivered by Stu MacQueen and Dan Crannitch of Wonderlick, whose experience includes working with artists such as Amy Shark, DMA'S and The Paper Kites.
About the Fellowships
The fellowship provides 12 months of mentoring and professional development for South Australian artists and music industry entrepreneurs who are ready to take the next step in their careers.
The program is designed to build industry knowledge, expand professional networks and create opportunities for participants to achieve their long-term goals.
Since its establishment in 2014, the program has helped South Australian artists and industry professionals build sustainable careers, with many alumni securing recording, publishing and management deals.
Past Fellows include: Tkay Maidza, Electric Fields, Teenage Joans, aleksiah, West Thebarton, Bad Dreems, the Tullamarines, among many others.
The Robert Stigwood Fellowship Program is a key initiative of the South Australian Government’s Music Development Office.
Tailored to the needs of participating artists, mentoring may include songwriting, production, business skills, marketing and public relations, and attendance at conferences and high-level industry meetings.
The arrangement is akin to a surrogate record label/management team.
Offers mentoring for emerging South Australian music industry entrepreneurs who are working in music management or other areas of artist representation.
Focus areas include identifying strengths, weaknesses and ambitions for the future.
Each fellow will receive one on-one help developing and achieving a business plan for the following 12 months.
Applications for 2027 Fellowships
Applications are open until 11 November 2026.
All applications are assessed by an independent industry panel. Successful Artist Fellowship recipients receive up to $25,000 in grants with Industry Fellowship recipients can receive up to $5,000 in grants to use during the mentorship.
Key Dates
| Milestone | Key dates |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Thursday 15 October 2026 |
| Applications Close | Wednesday 11 November 2026 |
| Notification of Outcomes | All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by email in mid to late December 2026. |
Congratulations to the 2026 Robert Stigwood Fellows
- Any Young Mechanic – indie country with a folk twang
- Effie Isobel – undeniable songwriting channeled through a fresh indie rock sound
- Maybe Hugo – groovy laid back pop with a soul twist
- Molly Rocket – raucous but polished pop punk with big hooks
- Kurralta Park – the sound of the Australian suburbs
- Band Banta – promotional music media platform
- Daybed Records – record label, events company and outer metro promoter
- Runt! Records – events company supporting female and gender non-confirming artists and industry practitioners
- Caps Lock Records – bespoke physical media and thoughtfully curated live experiences
