Applications are now open for Forte Presents: Emerging Artists Stage at the waterfront event this January.
The iconic Festival of Sails is making its return to Geelong for 2023, from January 26 to January 29, and as always will see the Geelong waterfront transform into an entertainment hub, combining world-class sailing on Corio Bay with an array of live music and entertainment for all ages
While the long-running event has always been a beacon of community in Geelong’s summer events program with a selection of artists performing across the Geelong Waterfront over three days (including The Badloves, Quivers, The Kite Machine and Chocolate Starfish), this year we’ve teamed up with organisers at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RGYC) to host our very own music stage that will see emerging artists and local acts be part of Geelong’s biggest Waterfront Celebration.
What you need to know
- Applications are open for up-and-coming acts to play as part of this exciting new stage.
- It will give emerging artists the chance to play a 20 minute set at the Festival of Sails in January
- You have until January 15 – so register your interest as soon as possible!
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Named Forte Presents the Emerging Artist Stage, the inaugural stage gives emerging artists the unmissable opportunity to perform on a proper stage with the stunning Geelong waterfront as the backdrop of their set at one of Geelong’s most popular summer events – an event that attracts more than 300 entries, 3,000 competitors and 100,000 visitors annually to the regional city.
Taking place on Friday, January 27 from 12pm to 6:30pm, artists will perform 20 minutes sets with a 15 min change over (approx. two bands per hour), with audio and lighting supported by the Festival of Sails.
Acts will not only perform at the iconic Festival of Sails, but running as a ‘battle of the bands’ type of stage, the acts will go in the running to win prize money of $500 for the winner and $250 each for two runner’s up, plus feature articles in our February print edition.
The winner of the stage will also perform as part of the Festival of Sails main stage in 2024. The winner and runner ups will be announced from the RGYC main stage on the same day.
Judging criteria includes originality, songwriting/arrangement, vocals, performance, and overall likeability.
So who can apply??
We’re looking for a diverse range of original artists as solo or duos from all different genres. There are no gender and/or gender identity and age requirements. All ages can enter. However, if the entrant is under 18 years of age, the signature of a parent or guardian is required to provide consent.
Applications are open now. All you need to do is submit the follow to [email protected] or via Instagram at @geelong_entertainment
- Artist/act name
- Contact Name, e-mail and phone number
- Social and/or website
If you’re an emerging artist looking for a unique place to take your next gig, you have until January 15 to register your interest. Applications will close Sunday, January 15 2023 at 5pm.
RGYC will then notify successful artists and provide all logistical information, time and production.
