With a federal election around the corner MusicNSW would like to put to the government, on behalf and alongside the industry, that the contemporary music industry needs real support, and real commitments, to its development.
This year has seen yet another round of consultation with the Discussion Paper outlining a draft strategic Contemporary Music Industry Plan. In 2006 there was a Federal Labor Arts Policy Discussion Paper, in 2007, New directions for the Arts, In 2008 there was the 2020 ideas summit. Each time the music industry has complied in putting forward their ideas and awaited positive change. In most cases, we’ve been left waiting.
The concern is that musicians and the music industry have been making representation to Canberra on universal themes for some time and we don’t seem to be getting anywhere.
The recent Live Performance Australia study “Size & Scope of the Live Entertainment Industry “ has found that the live entertainment industry generated revenue of $1.88 billion in 2008 and contributed $1.1 billion to the Australian economy making it larger than film and video production, sports and physical recreation, book publishing and horse and dog racing. With live performance representing only a small part of our sector, the industry’s impact on a cultural, social and economic level are massive.
For a lot of the practitioners, however, things are much harder than they need to be.
Live music scenes are fragile and as seen with the recent disastrous liquor policy from the Bracks state government, can be devastated with the stroke of a pen and musicians jobs and opportunities obliterated. Canberra can and should be taking a lead in establishing policy that recognises the importance of artists to Australia’s economy and our cultural fabric.
It is our intention to strike interest and to begin a campaign, to gather your ideas and feed them to the government. Musicians need jobs and opportunities. The industry needs the government’s support to develop to its full potential. Regulation needs to be conducive of growth of the Creative Industries.
We’re daring all parties to make a positive difference to music and the creative industries in Australia. We want you to join in the plight. Join the Facebook group. Email us your ideas. Help make Australia a better place for musicians and the music industry – lets get pollies making policy for the creative industries too.
