Australian music industry organisations and leaders launched a united plan yesterday (Monday), with the aim of supporting music in New South Wales.
In the lead-up to the NSW election, the A$100m (£57m/€65m/$69m) plan calls for the government and opposition to commit to a strategic focus and significant investment in the development of music.
APRA AMCOS, which is spearheading the campaign, consists of Australasian Performing Right Association and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society, and supporters of the plan include Live Performance Australia, Association of Artist Managers, Australasian Music Publishers’ Association, Australian Festival Association and more.
The three key pillars outlined in the plan include the establishment of a Contemporary Music Office within the NSW Government to drive music development; significant government investment in artists and industry initiatives, and protecting and building venues, festivals and spaces.
The organisations are asking all parties to consider music in their election strategy so that fans, artists and businesses can be proud of music in NSW. The collective argues that music in the state is not flourishing as it should, with fewer places for live music and more industry professionals moving on to different states.
Dean Ormston, APRA AMCOS chief executive, said: “NSW is a key engine room for the nation’s music industry and the launching pad for so many of Australia’s extraordinary artists. But the music economy is global and competition is fierce.
“A Goldman Sachs report into the international music market estimates total music revenue to double to about A$131bn by 2030. If NSW wants a piece of that pie we need government working in partnership with artists, industry workers and business to get the investment, regulation and policy settings right.”
Evelyn Richardson, Live Performance Australia CEO, added: “Some of our most iconic live music performance venues and festivals are in NSW. But we can’t take them for granted and need to keep investing in the people and physical infrastructure that are part and parcel of a vibrant, diverse and successful live music industry.
“From our smallest band room to our largest stadium or outdoor festival space, NSW should seize the opportunity to be the premier destination for live music in Australia. The NSW Government should put in place a properly funded and industry-advised strategy to grow the skills base and provide the places so that music, and those who make it and present it to audiences, can thrive.”