ACEN Australia has announced it is an award sponsor for the 2024 Australian National Busking Championships grand final, being held in Cooma on 29 and 30 November.
The rising star first-prize awards for both secondary and primary school students will be sponsored in 2024 by ACEN Australia, as part of its Social Investment Program for Cooma Solar.
The Australian National Busking Championships, launched in Cooma in 2012, have grown to become a prominent feature in the national music and street performance calendar.
“We’re excited to support this major attraction for Cooma and the Snowy Monaro region, and to contribute towards the festival’s continued growth as a national event and springboard for emerging performers,” Cooma Solar Project Manager Carolay Guarin said.
Performers from throughout Australia, including many from the host district, have competed at seven regional heats in NSW, Queensland, Victoria and the ACT.
Hundreds of prize winners from the heats, in several senior and junior categories, will converge on Cooma for two days of busking performances in a bid to become national busking champions.
“We jumped at the chance to sponsor the junior categories because they align with ACEN Australia’s focus on training for people within our communities,” Ms Guarin said.
“The championships inspire talented young performers in the Snowy Monaro and beyond, honing their skills and putting many on track to pursue careers in the industry.
“They’re also just a really fun event for Cooma and a terrific way for Cooma Solar to make an early contribution to the Snowy Monaro community.”