NEW AWARDS PLATFORM LAUNCHES TO CATAPULT YOUNG MUSIC CREATORS INTO THE INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT
Driven by youth and backed by Sia and Troye Sivan, the NUMAs are set to fast-track the next wave of Australian talent
A new national initiative will put school-aged Australian music creators, and their teachers, in the spotlight, with the launch of the NUMAs (Next Up Music Awards) and paid Youth Intern Program.
Founded by respected music executive Milly Petriella OAM, the NUMAs have been created as a youth-led celebration of emerging talent in schools supported by student internships, designed to strengthen the pathways connecting young creators and the contemporary music industry.
Australian icons Sia and Troye Sivan will support the initiative as the first of a group of industry Patrons, with Mahalia Barnes announced as Artistic Director alongside DOBBY as First Nations Artistic Director, and Ruby Rodgers and Myka Champion appointed as the first Youth Patrons, helping to shape the program and reflect how music is created and shared today.
Taking place on Thursday 28 January 2027, the inaugural NUMAs will be hosted by venue partner Carriageworks in Sydney, and arrive at a critical moment for local music, responding to declining access to music education and growing concern for the future creative workforce.
Recognising school-aged recording artists, producers, and songwriters, the NUMAs provide a national stage through awards, live performance, mentorship, and paid youth roles behind the scenes.
The Awards will also shine a spotlight on educators, with Music Teacher of the Year awards presented by Music Australia across both primary and secondary categories — recognising the critical role teachers play in shaping the next generation of artists and industry.
Backed by Revive Live – an Australian Government initiative, early support spans both music and education, with partners including The Song Room, Carriageworks, and Music Australia, with more to be announced.
“NUMAs is not just an awards program. At a time when so much of our young people’s lives are shaped online, we want this to be a real-world space for creativity, connection and live expression. Through paid internships, mentorship and hands-on involvement in the event, we're helping young people build skills, confidence and community, whether they see their future on stage, in the studio or behind the scenes,” said Milly Petriella OAM.
Open nationally to students aged 6–18 and their music teachers, nominations and intern applications will open in June 2026 via nextupmusicawards.com
Contact details:
Karen Griffin
IDENTITY PR - [email protected] / 0412 855 923
