West Australian Music (WAM) and Tapped by Otherside are pleased to announce a new partnership that will directly fund WA musicians to access critical career development opportunities and attend vital showcase and export events.
The support from Otherside Brewing's Tapped by Otherside program will directly fund regional artists to perform at Perth-based showcase events, and remove barriers to participation for local musicians attending eastern-states music conferences to develop their careers.
Otherside's support package comprises two components:
The first program will provide direct travel support funding for two regional bands to attend WAMCon and perform at WAM's Regional Showcase, both part of WAM's flagship WA Music Week event. The selected artists will attend three full days of professional development from 13–15 August 2026 via the Regional Gathering and WAMCon conferences at Freo.Social. In addition, they will perform at the WAM Regional Showcase at Mojo's Bar on Friday 14 August.
The remainder of the funds will support selected musicians to attend BIGSOUND in Brisbane in September 2026. The funding will go towards travel and attendance costs and will be available to the artists selected for the 2026 WAM Showcase.
These programs will be delivered within WAM's existing independent assessment processes, with recipients selected by experienced industry panellists, ensuring funding is directed to the artists who will best benefit.
WAM CEO Owen Whittle:
"Support for regional musicians is invaluable, given the significant barriers faced for regional artists in WA to highlight the incredible music they perform. This initiative directly targets one of the biggest barriers to career development in WA: the cost of accessing opportunities. Whether it's travelling from the regions to the city, or flying interstate, these potentially career-defining moments should be accessible for contemporary musicians in WA."
Reece Wheadon, CEO, Otherside Brewing:
"Since its launch in 2019, Tapped by Otherside has been committed to supporting the WA creative industries and recognising the importance live music plays in our community. Partnering with WAM allows us to invest directly in grassroots and emerging artists to access opportunities that will strengthen our local music industry."
About Tapped by Otherside
Tapped by Otherside sets aside funds from every Otherside beer sold to support WA's creative community — from live music and pop-up festivals to murals and artist programs. Learn more about Tapped by Otherside.
For media enquiries, please contact Linley McTavish e. communications@wa.org.au | p. (08) 6156 1245