Victorian music will take off across the globe like never before, thanks to a new Andrews Labor Government program to build international business opportunities and connections for the state’s music industry.
Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley has announced Music Passport – a suite of initiatives that will support Victoria’s music industry to establish global links, learn from the best in the world and break into new international markets.
“As well as being a vital part of our culture, music is a big business for this state. Music Passport helps build businesses, strengthen careers and creates new opportunities to take Victorian music to the world,” said Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley. “Through Music Works, we are investing in the industry at every level – from artists and venues to labels, managers and others working behind the scenes.”
The program will be delivered by the Labor Government in partnership with the Australian Independent Record Labels Association, the Association of Artist Managers, Sounds Australia and the Face the Music conference as part of Melbourne Music Week.
It includes an international fellowship program for music managers and record labels, so Australian industry leaders can gain international experience and make global business connections. It will also provide international showcases and inbound visits – bringing international music leaders to Victoria.
The program will boost export opportunities for Victorian artists through music export body Sounds Australia, and will support the development of our industry in the international market. Music Passport is the latest program to come out of the Government’s $22 million four-year Music Works package, the biggest ever investment in the state’s music industry.
The Government has also announced the latest Music Works grants, which enable Victorian musicians to tour, record or write new music, and producers, labels and promoters to expand their businesses. More than 800 music industry professionals will benefit from grants totalling over $500,000. Music manager Charlotte Abroms is among the recipients, having received a $3,000 grant to travel to the UK to meet industry leaders and create opportunities for her Victorian clients.
Previous recipients have gone on to be signed by international labels and win national and international awards. Close to half of all of this year’s AIR Award nominees, including four of five nominees for Best Independent Artist, are Music Works alumni – proving that Music Works really does work.
For more information, visit: www.creative.vic.gov.au for details.
Image: Back – Gretta Ray and Minister Martin Foley. Middle – Miller Upchurch and Jon St Clair (Slum Sociable). Front – Kate Duncan (The Push) and Charlotte Abroms – photo by Jasmine Fisher