New Victorian Music Body Announces General Manager

Music industry veteran Bonnie Dalton has just been announced as the General Manager of the newly established Victorian Music Development Office (VMDO).

Dalton will oversee the office which has been established as part of the Victorian Government’s $22.2 million contemporary music funding and support program. The VMDO will be managed by Music Victoria and guided by a steering committee of music industry experts. The office aims to support Victorian musicians, music industry professionals and industry organisations to create, develop and showcase Victorian contemporary music.

In a statement, Dalton displayed her excitement for the initiative saying it “will be an incredible resource for Victorian music and I’m thrilled to be heading it up. I look forward to working with our industry to make the most of the wonderful opportunities this new office presents for artists and the music businesses that support them”.

Dalton has been a powerful force in the Australian music industry for over 15 years, working in artist management, production, programming and export, priming her to head up the venture. 

Having previously been honoured with the Lighthouse Award for her passion, creativity and integrity as a female music manager, her career has seen her working with the likes of Little Red, The Vasco Era, Husky and most recently Ali Barter.

Boasting an impressive resume, Dalton also helped develop St Jerome’s Laneway Festival and worked in senior management at Falls Festival.

State Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley, spoke highly of both the project and Dalton stating it “is one of the cornerstone projects of our Music Works strategy – and it’s set to take our music industry to the next level. With her industry knowledge, breadth of experience and strong local and global connections, Bonnie is well placed to lead the charge”.

The VMDO is set to open 1 July. For more details, check out the Music Victoria website.