Awards
Young Folk Artist Awards 2026 – Opening 20 July
The Folk Federation of NSW offers two awards annually to support young musicians presenting solo or group performance of song and/or music in a folk style. Two categories are offered, under 19 years of age and, 19 to under 25 years of age. All individuals applying must be residents of NSW and be under 19 years of age or 25 years of age as at July 20 2026, depending on which award they are applying for. Applications for the 2026 Awards will close at 11:59 pm AEST on Sunday 23 August 2026.
Each award includes $500 cash, along with a number of mentoring and performance opportunities over the year of the award.
FolkFedNSW is delighted to partner with Bundanoon Folk Festival and Blue Mountain Sound for the 2026 Awards.
The 2026 Awards presentation and gig opportunity will take place during the 2026 Bundanoon Folk Festival 20-22 November. Andy Busuttil of Blue Mountains Sound is offering a 3-track demo for each of the Young Artist Awardees. This includes recording, mixing and mastering.
View our Full Terms and Conditions Here
Ready to Apply? Access 2026 YFAA Application Form Here
2022 & 23 Awardees pictured with tutors & then Program Coordinator Craig Sinclair.
Bodhi Turner, the 2021 Under 21yrs Awardee speaks about her Award and how it has helped her as a young performing artist.
2025 FolkFedNSW Young Folk Artists
FolkFedNSW looks forward to working with and supporting these young artists as they take the next steps on their musical journey.
XXX
Lucy Beveridge (Under 19 years Awardee)
“I am truly honoured and grateful to receive this wonderful award. It’s such an amazing opportunity for me to keep growing, learning, and sharing my music with others. Thank you so much for supporting my journey.”
XXX
Gabi Forman (Under 25 years Awardee)
Listen to our 2025 Young Folk Artists
Hear Lucy performing her original song ‘Little Bird’, showcasing her clear vocal style and storytelling ability.
Gabi performs ‘I Feel You’ at the Gympie Music Muster, a song she wrote about her grandfather.
Meet Our Previous Young Folk Award Recipients
The 2024 Young Folk Artists
Sam Fletcher (left) received the 2024 Under 25yrs Award and Ais O’Neill (right) received the Under 19 yrs Award.
The 2022 Young Folk Artists
Emma Foote (left) received the 2022 Under 19yrs Award and Sean Cooper (right) was the Under 25 yrs Awardee.
The 2021 Young Folk Artists
Charlie Gastineau-Hills (left) received the 2021 Under 16yrs Award and Bodhi Turner (right) was the Under 21 yrs Awardee.
The 2020 Young Folk Artists
Freya Peterson (left) received the 2020 Under 16yrs Junior Award and Felicity Dowd (right) was the Under 21 yrs Senior Awardee.
The 2019 Young Folk Artists
Allegra Dunning (left) was the Under 16yrs Junior Awardee and Josh Maynard received the Under 21yrs Senior Award.