Music industry support organization Sounds Australia has been given a last-minute lifeline with the Federal Government reversing its decision to discontinue funding.
The sudden government backflip is a windfall for the Australian music industry with Sounds Australia now being able to provide international on-ground support for Australia’s touring artists for the next four years.
In a statement Sounds Australia’s Millie Millgate said, “Today’s news that the Department of Communications and the Arts is supporting SOUNDS AUSTRALIA for the next four years is exactly the result we’ve been hoping for. It’s testament to the value of the national export platform and subsequent success Australian artists are enjoying around the world.”
Dean Ormston, Head of Member Services, APRA AMCOS said: “The Federal Government’s commitment to funding SOUNDS AUSTRALIA for the next four years is fantastic news, and will be welcomed by thousands of current and future exporting artists and music businesses. The support from the local and international music industries has been overwhelming – a testament to the work of the SOUNDS AUSTRALIA team, Millie Millgate, Glenn Dickie and Esti Zilber!”
Since 2009, Sounds Australia has participated at 50 different international events in 53 countries across 20 countries providing the all-important connections for touring Australian acts with key industry people at numerous conferences including SXSW in Austin.
The initiative will collaborate with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade next month to lead a delegation of music industry professionals to South America.
