Music Passport Program to take Victorian music around the world

The Victorian Government has launched a new initiative to expand international business opportunities and connections for the State’s music industry.

Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley today announced the 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.

The program will be delivered by the Victorian 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 Victorian Government’s $22 million four-year Music Works package, the biggest ever investment in the state’s music industry.

Minister Foley explained “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.”

“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 Victorian Government 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 full list of the latest funded projects go to www.creative.vic.gov.au/news.

Image: Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley in the pilot's seat at the launch of the Music Passport. Courtesy of Jasmine Fisher

1st June 2017 - MUSIC VICTORIA RELEASES 10 POINT PLAN FOR LIVE MUSIC 

16th May 2017 - ST KILDA’S PALAIS THEATRE TO REOPEN AFTER $26 MILLION REFURBISHMENT

4th May 2017 - MELBOURNE WINS BID TO HOST INTERNATIONAL MUSIC CITIES EVENT

3rd May 2017 - VICTORIAN BUDGET PROVIDES FUNDS FOR AQUATICS, EVENTS, SPORT AND TOURISM

13th December 2016 - AUSTRALIA TO GET MUSIC INDUSTRY HALL OF FAME 

22nd April 2016 - VICTORIA’S CREATIVE STRATEGY SHIFTS INTO GEAR

2nd June 2015 - LIVE MUSIC STRATEGY TO MAKE MELBOURNE THE ‘MUSIC CAPITAL OF AUSTRALIA’