Congratulations to the five 2026 APRA Professional Development Award recipients; Geneva Alexander-Marsters (Geneva AM), Lachlan Anderson, Jazmine Mary, Jenny Mitchell, and Liam Richards (Te Wehi).

The award is intended to help artists develop their skills domestically and internationally, where absence of funds has been a roadblock. Each will receive $10,000 to contribute towards the next step of their career, from mentorship and internships, to craft development, art residencies etc. 

There have now been  54 recipients since the first Professional Development Awards were given out in 2005. Previously a bi-annual presentation it has now become an annual opportunity since 2021, due to the amount and strength of applications. More on the 2026 winners here.

• Geneva AM is a producer, beat maker and vocalist based in Tāmaki Makaurau. Geneva recently won Best Independent Debut and was also a finalist for the 2026 Taite Music Prize 2026 . Her critically acclaimed debut album ‘PIKIPIKI’ also earned her three 2026 AMA finalist spots.

• Lachlan Anderson is a composer and musician (Die! Die! Die! bassist) whose work spans film, television series and installations. He recently scored the dark comedy TV series Crackhead, has produced scores for Sasha Rainbow’s body-horror film Grafted, and David Farrier’s documentary Mister Organ.

• Jazmine Mary (they/them) is an independent multi-disciplinary artist working across production, sound design and performance art, with a strong focus on the sonic arts. They perform as a solo musical artist, and as one half of the country duo Pony Baby.

• Jenny Mitchell is a Gold Guitar and former Best Country Artist Tūī winner, and four-time Australian Golden Guitar nominee. These days based in Melbourne, her 2025 album ‘Forest House’ earned considerable acclaim.

• Te Wehi is quickly becoming one of Aotearoa’s most lauded new voices. Opening act of the 2026 Aotearoa Music Awards, the East Coast reggae artist was further acknowledged as the Tui Breakthrough Artist of the Year and the Best Roots Artist Tūī winner. 

Read more about the 2026 PDA winners here.