GOLD COAST YOUTH CONNECT TO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

Young Gold Coast Queensland musicians will get the chance to perform at Big Day Out, Schoolies and the Quicksilver and Roxy Pro thanks to the State Government’s A-Venue program.

Arts Minister Rod Welford said A-Venue’s Gold Coast program would give young musical talent a number of showcasing opportunities at major events over the next year.

“A-Venue is an Arts Queensland and local government partnership enabling young musicians across the state to pursue music career opportunities within their local communities,” Mr Welford said.

“Since 2004, A-Venue has provided $200,000 in funding annually across five regions –Rockhampton, Townsville, Cairns, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast – and has seen a number of program participants move onwards and upwards.

“Gold Coast bands such as Operator Please – who have done two national tours supporting The Kaiser Chiefs and Artic Monkeys, performed at Byron Bay’s Splendour in the Grass and signed with UK record label Brille – have had showcasing opportunities through A-Venue.”

Mr Welford said in 2007-08 Arts Queensland would provide $40,000 in funding to the Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) to deliver the A-Venue program.

“A-Venue assists emerging musicians and music industry workers aged 15-25 by aiding access to business and management skills training and production facilities,” he said.

“Performance opportunities and development workshops help young performers build partnerships and links with local, national and international events, festivals and industry workers.

“Other A-Venue initiatives have included Rockhampton’s RockFest 07 in April and the Big Sound music conference in Brisbane.”

Organisations working with A-Venue and the GCCC to provide opportunities include Education Queensland, Gold Coast Music Industry Association (GCMIA), Q Music, Australian Music Association and the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University.

For more information go to the A-Venue myspace site at myspace.com/avenuegoldcoast.

Media contact: Emma Clarey on 3237 1000