BIG FAN has announced New Fans, a brand new bi-monthly, all-ages live music series designed to grow the next generation of audiences and industry talent in Auckland.
It opened an Expression of Interest process for youth aged 25 and under from Tuesday, the 21st of April, inviting applications from artists, promoters, and crew positions.
New Fans is a programme built entirely around youth, with paid opportunities across all levels of live music delivery, from performers and promoters to lighting operators, photographers, and door staff.
Launching with its first show on Friday the 12th of June, New Fans will run bi-monthly throughout 2026, with shows in June, August, October and December, each curated and delivered by a different young promoter.
Selected promoters for this first round will be notified by Friday, the 8th of May, and will then work with guidance and support from the BIG FAN team to build the lineup, plan marketing, and deliver their own affordable all-ages show at BIG FAN.
At the heart of New Fans is a simple mission: to remove barriers to live music for young people. With NZD 10 tickets, an all-ages environment, and lineups curated by rangatahi themselves, the programme aims to create safe, welcoming entry points into gig culture, while also supporting the development of the next generation of New Zealand’s music industry workforce.
By investing in both audiences and young creatives behind the scenes, New Fans aims to build a stronger, more sustainable local music ecosystem – nurturing young people who not only make music, but also attend, support, document, and produce it.
New Fans is open to youth who are:
- Based in Auckland
- Aged 25 and under
- New Zealand citizens or residents
- Available for the show date and prep sessions
New Fans is made possible by BIG FAN and the Auckland Council.
