BIGSOUND will go ahead in 2020, but a month later and with a condensed programme across two days.
Once more to take place in its spiritual home, the Fortitude Valley live music precinct in Brisbane on 21-22 October, this year's BIGSOUND will install official social distancing and safety protocols to protect patrons and performers alike.The 2020 event will still include a conference, live showcases, workshops, secret performances, facilitated conversations, and offical parties. . . all the fun stuff remains in place.
"BIGSOUND has been the leader of conversation and discovery in the Australian music industry for over 18 years, and this year we will be forging ahead with a recovery-focussed festival," QMusic CEO Angela Samut says.
"With the culture of our industry under threat from COVID-19, our industrial culture under scrutiny as we face head-on the structural inequities for women, LGBTQI+ and First Nations people, and our culture as a nation under the spotlight as global trends put even more pressure on local artists and local stories, never has it been more essential for BIGSOUND to proceed and succeed."
Artists and bands wanting to participate at BIGSOUND 2020, applications are now open with organisers waiving the usual application fees this year due to the condensed size and capacity.
With the current situation in Victoria, BIGSOUND encourages musicians in that state wishing to be part of this year's event to still apply. If they're not able to travel due to restrictions, 'there will be contingencies in place to create opportunities for participation remotely'.
Click here to read our review of BIGSOUND 2019.
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch says today's confirmation of BIGSOUND 2020 sends a positive message. "The Palaszczuk Government has provided dedicated support to the music industry as part of our plan for economic recovery and creating jobs in the arts sector," Minister Enoch says.
"The reactivation of Queensland's live music industry is highly anticipated and I am confident that BIGSOUND will play a central role in Queensland's plan for recovery."
The 2020 event welcomes Janne Scott, taking on the role of Creative Director. Ms Scott is the previous head of the BIGSOUND Visual Arts Program and retains her role as the Splendour In The Grass Senior Creative Manager.
Alethea Beetson returns as First Nations Producer and Programmer, having programmed the acclaimed BIGSOUND First Nations programmes in 2018 and 2019. Ms Beetson is working across the entire BIGSOUND programme and event.
Pre-sale registration for delegate pass sales open 9am EST on 29 July. Join the BIGSOUND mailing list to access this pre-sale opportunity. Early-bird delegate pass sales open 9am EST on 3 August.
