General News
7 November, 2025
Artists named for music program
PORT Fairy Folk Festival has announced the 10 young artists selected for its 1026 Future Folk Young Musician development program.
Now in its fifth year, the Future Folk program continues to nurture emerging musical voices from across regional Victoria.
This gives artists aged between 12 and 25 the opportunity to perform, collaborate and learn within one of Australia’s most beloved festivals.
Supported by Moyne Shire Council through the state government’s Amplify program, Future Folk provides a platform for young creatives to gain real-world experience as performing artists.
The 2026 artists chosen are Bonnie Jackson, Grace Watt, Harriet Wraith, Isla Dixon, Jasmin Adria, Lucy Joy, Maeve Grieve, Mathilde Anne, Rupert Bullard and the Sam Curtis Collective.
As part of next year’s folkie, participants will receive one-on-one and group mentoring from established musicians.
They will also participate in professional development workshops, and perform in front of festival audiences.
Each artist or group will present a 20-minute set on Fiddlers Green in a dedicate emerging artist showcase and will also feature in a songwriters’ circle on the festival’s main stage.
The Future Folk program not only builds performance skills and industry knowledge, but also fosters artistic community and confidence.
Whether writing heartfelt lyrics, crafting harmonies, or connecting with audiences, these young artists represent the bright future of Victoria’s folk scene.
“The Future Folk program is one of my significant joys of my programming role at the folkie,” festival program director, Justin Rudge, said.
“It keeps going from strength to strength; watching these young artists find their voices and share their stories with the audience is what folk music is all about.
“It’s all about connection, creativity and community. It’s a credit to the young artists and a hallmark of the growing strength of the Future Folk program has generated some great artists since its inception.”
Moyne Shire councillor Jordan Lockett said he loved that local, emerging musicians had the chance to play on big stages in front of their community.
“Future Folk is a huge opportunity to rub shoulders with artists from all over the world, to learn, and to showcase their own amazing talents.”
Port Fairy Folk Festival will take place over the Labour Day long weekend next March, 6-9.
