Because let's be honest, the music industry has been a bit of a boys club.
Are you an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander female or a non-binary/transgender person supporting yourself in the music industry? If so, Kennell&Co has just offered you a new opportunity to get a leg up on the competition.
The freshly launched Artist Assist program aims to help close the gender and race gaps that are all too present in the Australian music industry and work toward a more equitable future.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
The program will invite 40 participants to attend a three-day retreat filled with business development workshops, artist mentoring and networking events held at Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Women’s Centre. It will also reward them with a $500 bursary for their time commitment.
Taking place from January 17 to 19 2024, the program will be filled with talks and activities focused on a wide range of topics including well-being, values and music industry culture.
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Guest speakers will include Mabu Mabu owner Nornie Bero (who will also be providing catering), AANTHOLOGIES PR and Artist Management owner Alyse Newman, singer-songwriter Emily Wurramara and Kennel&Co founder Kerry Kennell. Members of Support Act and TikTok are also set to make appearances.
Applications are open to all 18+ music industry pros, including photographers, producers, label owners, managers, and (of course) musicians, as long as they are females from an Indigenous background or identify as gender-diverse.
For those located outside of Melbourne, the program is offering to cover the cost of flights, accommodation and daily needs to assist participants in attending the conference.
With support from Indigenous Business Australia and sponsorship from Songlings Aboriginal Music Corporation and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office, the intensive program is primed to be a major asset to those lucky enough to attend.
Those looking to attend have until October 15 to express their interest. The selected participants will be contacted after the applications close.
To find out more about Artist Assist and register for yourself, head here.
Emily Wurramara is one of music’s most inspiring Indigenous role models, and it’s only up from here
