1. WHO CAN APPLY?

Musik Blok is designed specifically for emerging artists from Papua New Guinea.

You can apply if you are:

  • A songwriter, producer, or both

  • Developing your craft and ready to grow

  • Open to collaboration and learning


2. WHAT AGE DO I NEED TO BE?

Applicants must be 18 years or older.

3. DO I NEED EXPERIENCE?

No formal training is required.

This program is for artists at different stages —

but you should have a genuine interest in songwriting or music production.

4. WHAT WILL I BE DOING DURING THE PROGRAM?

You will:

  • Write original songs

  • Learn music production skills

  • Collaborate with other artists and mentors

  • Develop your creative process

This is a hands-on, practical program — you will be actively making music every day. View Current Itinerary.

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5. HOW LONG IS THE PROGRAM?

The program runs for 10 consecutive days in Goroka.

Selected artists are expected to attend all sessions.

6. WHO WILL BE THE MENTORS?

The program will be led by a group of highly experienced mentors, including:

  • 4 mentors travelling from Australia, with professional experience in songwriting, production, and the music industry

  • Additional mentors and support on the ground

  • We will also host an Industry Morning, featuring guest speakers from across the music industry.

This session will include:

  • Open Q&A with industry professionals

  • Insight into how the music business works

  • Guidance on pathways, releasing music, and building a career

This is an opportunity to ask questions directly and gain real-world knowledge beyond the creative process.

6. DO I NEED TO STAY FOR THE FULL 10 DAYS?

Yes.

Full participation is required to ensure:

  • A strong collaborative environment

  • Continuity in songwriting and production sessions

7. IS TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION COVERED?

Flights to and from Goroka will be covered for selected artists.

Accommodation and meals will be provided for the duration of the program.

8. IS THERE SUPPORT ON THE GROUND?

Yes.

A dedicated host/chaperone will be on site throughout the program to support artists, ensuring safety, wellbeing, and smooth day-to-day coordination.

Frequently Asked Questions

9.WHERE WILL THE PROGRAM TAKE PLACE?

Musik Blok will be held at the Bird of Paradise Hotel in Goroka, PAPUA NEW GUINEA

10.WHAT SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES ARE IN PLACE?

The program is designed with artist safety and comfort as a priority.

The accommodation and program site will be fully secured, including on-site security and guard dogs

  • A local security team will be engaged where external movement is required

  • Artists are encouraged to remain within the program environment unless accompanied

  • All participants are expected to follow program safety guidelines.

  • Failure to do so may impact continued participation in the program

11. DO I NEED TO PAY TO PARTICIPATE?

The program is supported through fundraising and partnerships.

Selected participants will be informed of any costs (if applicable),

with the aim of keeping the program accessible.

12. HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE SELECTED?

A small group of approximately 8 artists will be selected.

This allows for focused mentorship and collaboration.

13. WHAT SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY APPLICATION?

You may be asked to provide:

  • A short bio

  • Examples of your music (audio, video, or links)

  • A few words about why you want to take part


14. WHEN DO APPLICATIONS OPEN?

Applications will be announced soon.

Follow for updates and details.

15. HOW IS THE PROGRAM FUNDED?

Musik Blok is supported through partnerships and public fundraising, including the Australian Cultural Fund.

This support helps deliver the program and build it sustainably into the future.

16. WHAT HAPPENS IF I'M A SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT ?

Read “What Happens Next” at the bottom of the Apply Now page.

17. IS THERE A COMMUNITY / CULTURAL COMPONENT?

Yes — this is a core part of Musik Blok.

Participants will spend one night in Watabung village (Eastern Highlands) half an hour out of Goroka town, hosted by the local community.

During this experience, you will:

  • Visit significant cultural sites

  • Be welcomed into community spaces

  • Experience local music, food, and ceremony

Accommodation will be shared, village-style :

  • Mattresses on floors in traditional purpose built round houses (separate spaces for mentors and artists)

  • Basic facilities including long-drop toilets and makeshift showers

This is a respectful cultural exchange, offering a real experience of Highlands life beyond the studio.

Participants should come open, adaptable, and respectful of local customs and ways of living.