| THE WHITSUNDAYS Arts Festival (WAF) is honoured once again to present the 2025 Whitsundays Songwriter Festival, returning to Airlie Beach for its fourth year, from June 5 to10, 2025. Launched in 2022, the Songwriter Festival has become a vital platform for emerging local talent, offering unique opportunities to collaborate with, and learn from, internationally acclaimed songwriters and artists. Each year, six world-class mentors are invited to the region to guide the next generation of local songwriters, lead an intensive one-day workshop, create new work, and share the results in a special concert and conversation event for the community. “We’re incredibly proud of the stories and success that have emerged from the festival,” WAF president Jess Begun said. “As a valued supporter of the arts, we’re excited to share some recent highlights and invite you to be part of making this year possible.” Young artists such as Noah Robertson – the 2024 Australian National Busking Champion – and Tiffany Grace – a regular on the Airlie Beach music scene – have both participated in the Emerging Songwriter Workshops. They credit the experience as influential for their artistic growth and confidence. “Our faculty of professional artists have also found inspiration here,” Ms Begun said. “Vika & Linda, Australian music legends, have included three songs written during the 2023 festival in their soon-to-be-released ninth studio album.” Audiences on their national tour may have already heard some of these powerful new works. Meanwhile, 2024 alumni Mark Sholtez and Wendy Matthews found such a strong creative connection during the festival that Mark joined Wendy as guitarist for her recent Australian tour – an example of the collaborations sparked here in the Whitsundays. “In recognition of our impact, we were recently honoured to be nominated for Festival of the Year, at the 2024 Queensland Music Award,” Ms Begun said. “Help us make the 2025 Whitsundays Songwriter Festival happen!” The Whitsundays Songwriter Festival provides professional development opportunities rarely available in regional communities. Your support ensures we can continue nurturing local talent, building connections, and placing the Whitsundays firmly on Australia’s cultural map. We are currently seeking sponsorship and tax-deductible donations from generous individuals and businesses to help us deliver the 2025 festival. Donations can be made via our fundraising campaign on the Australian Cultural Fund platform. Your contribution supports: Artist travel and accommodation Musical instrument hire and staging Workshop expenses for emerging songwriters Marketing and promotion A new podcast interview series, recorded and released after the event. We also welcome corporate sponsorship from businesses who share our passion for the arts. Our sponsors are proudly acknowledged across all festival platforms, and your support directly contributes to the creation of new music and the mentorship of rising Australian songwriters. Read our Sponsorship Prospectus. Airlie Beach is renowned for its vibrant music scene. Be a part of a festival that celebrates making more music in the Whitsundays! Jess Begun President Whitsundays Arts Festival Karen Jacobsen Co-founder Whitsundays Songwriter Festival. |
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