It’s the result of a deal struck between the state government and music rights organisation APRA AMCOS.
Called Connect and Create, it is a three-year program that will support local songwriters and composers to build sustainable careers and create music that will connect with audiences across the globe.
Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley yesterday met with a group of Australian artists including singer/songwriters Megan Washington and Georgi Kay; film composer Francois Tetaz, and songwriter, and Evermore singer and producer Jon Hume, to announce the new program.
Connect and Create will be made up of two streams. The first is SongHubs, which is a series of immersive writing camps that will pair Victorian artists with international songwriters and producers.
The second stream is a new songwriting festival which will include panels, masterclasses, workshops and performances.
SongHubs is an extension of a global program piloted by APRA AMCOS in 2013. Past participants include Jon Hume, Client Liaison and M-Phazes.
Minister Foley said, “Connect and Create is a ground-breaking program that will strengthen Victoria’s reputation as Australia’s contemporary music heartland.
“It is another way that we are backing our creative talent. Not only will it support songwriters creatively, it will actively help Victorian artists make a living from their music.”
Of APRA AMCOS’ study of which suburbs around Australia had the most amount of songwriters and composers, six of the top 10 were in Melbourne.
In 2015-16, APRA AMCOS collected $333 million in royalties on behalf of songwriters and publishers, with $38 million coming from outside of Australia.
