Acoustic Routes (The Wellington Folk Centre) is proud to present the Joan Prior Award, an annual performance competition for young folk music enthusiasts.

In 2025, we are changing the focus from performers only to a wider range of young people who want to expand their involvement and interest in folk music.

Please note applications for the 2025 Joan Prior Award are now closed and submissions are being considered.

Eligibility

The Joan Prior award is open to:

• young people aged from 15 to 25 on September 30, 2025, resident in the Wellington region (the area covered by Wellington Regional Council and Kapiti and Horowhenua Districts)
• with a keen interest in traditional music or contemporary or original material of a traditional nature
• who want to further their involvement in folk music, for example, by attending a workshop/festival and/or travel overseas to improve their music skills/knowledge, researching an aspect of folk music for a qualification or publication, teaching a workshop for other young people, making a sound recording.

The judges will be looking for material that fits the range of acoustic music that is played at folk clubs and festivals.

Closing Date is Monday, 15 September 2025!

Judging

Applications will be judged by a small panel including a representative of the Acoustic Routes Committee, and a previous Joan Prior Award winner.

They will be looking for applications that demonstrate the applicant’s interest in music of a traditional nature, and intention to grow their skills, interest and involvement in the future. They will also look at the proposed way the money will be spent, to ensure it will be of benefit to the applicant in their music journey.

The judges’ decision is final and the grant will not be paid out if no suitable applications are received.

By applying for the grant, you agree to providing the Acoustic Routes committee with a brief written description (can be an email) of how the money was spent and how you feel it benefited you, to be received by August 2026.

Prize

The prize is a sum of $500 for the winner, paid by Acoustic Routes.

ANY QUESTIONS? Email president@acousticroutes.org.nz

To keep up to date, sign up for our newsletter and updates on the home page.

To enter

• Simply fill in the form below.

Find out about previous award winners.