Victoria opens up global opportunities with Music Passport initiative

Photo credit: Jasmine Fisher

Victoria’s Government continues to bolsters the state’s music industry with a new initiative called Music Passport.

It includes a number of initiatives that will see acts and businesses establish global links, learn from the best in the world and break into new international markets. 

Music Passport is part of the Labor Government’s $22 million Music Works package.

It will be delivered in partnership with AIR (the Australian Independent Record Labels Association), the Association of Artist Managers, music export body Sounds Australia and the Face the Music conference as part of Melbourne Music Week. 

At its launch, Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley, said, “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.”

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 executives to Victoria.

The program will boost export opportunities for Victorian artists through Sounds Australia, and will support the development of the state’s industry in the global market.

The Government also announced the latest Music Works grants totalling $500,000. 

It allows over 800 music pros to tour, record or write new music, and producers, labels and promoters to expand their businesses. 

The full list of the latest funded projects is available online.

The Government also noted the effectiveness of Music Works by showing that close to half of all of this year’s AIR Awards nominees, including four of five nominees for Best Independent Artist, are Music Works alumni.

Minister Foley summed up, “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.”