Queensland contemporary music amps up for future success

Queensland’s contemporary music scene received a major boost tonight, with the launch of two new strategies to create opportunities for local musicians.

Minister for Trade John Mickel and Minister for the Arts Rod Welford joined forces at The Zoo, one of Brisbane’s iconic live music venues, to unveil the initiatives.

Mr Mickel launched the Queensland Contemporary Music Export Strategy (QMEx) to support and promote exporting of Queensland music industry talent.

“The Bligh Government is committed to boosting exports of Queensland’s contemporary music and, through Trade Queensland, has developed QMEx to help achieve this goal,” Mr Mickel said.

“QMEx is a major export strategy for Queensland’s contemporary music industry over the next three financial years with a goal to achieve exports of $10 million over the period 2008 to 2011.”

The six key components of QMEx are:

·working with international music industry conferences, events and festivals to provide showcasing opportunities for Queensland music artists

·contracting overseas music specialists to provide introductions, business matching, touring and showcasing services

·use of marketing and promotion service providers overseas

·overseas missions led by Trade Queensland to build and expand on existing relationships, create new partnerships and negotiate contracts

·service contracts in Queensland to support the delivery of the QMEx strategy

·ongoing support for Brisbane’s Big Sound music industry summit and showcase over three years to attract influential international music industry buyers to Queensland.

Mr Welford launched Press Play, a four-year action plan to support Queensland’s contemporary music industry.

“Press Play 2009 - 2012 has been created in consultation with artists and key industry representatives. It is a first for this state and will help to consolidate our position in the global market,” Mr Welford said.

“With Queensland’s incredible wealth of creative talent and an industry rapidly being transformed by the digital age, now is the time to ensure opportunities are in place to build on our success.

“Press Play outlines how we plan to foster a healthy live music scene, cultivate emerging musicians, maintain meaningful links with local audiences and build partnerships with key national and international industry heavyweights.”

Mr Welford said that music was a $2 billion national industry, with contemporary music a significant driver of Queensland’s creative industry export income.

“Our Government has helped build the success of established and emerging musicians such as Kate Miller-Heidke, Tyrone Noonan, The Boat People, Operator Please, Emma Dean, Jackie Marshall, Georgia Corowa and Tjuppuru,” he said.

Minister Mickel’s Office: David Robertson 3235 4060

Minister Welford’s Office: Emma Clarey on 0417 791 336

10 December 2008