APRA Announces Indigenous Music Office

APRA have announced today an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office to develop ATSI artists.

Officially announced today by Federal Arts Minister Simon Crean, who has attempted to take a role in the development of the music industry this week, the foundation of the office has been helped by the support of APRA|AMCOS and the Australia Council For The Arts.

Indicating that the office would develop initiatives for ATSI artists to reach wider audiences, APRA|AMCOS CEO Brett Cottle said today that they were “very pleased” to be involved with the foundation.

“The ATSI Music Office is a stepping stone for ATSI songwriters and composers to get exposure, recognition and reward for their work.”

The office will be run by Michael Hutchings, APRA's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander National Representative. Hutchings was previously the label and studio manager for Gadigal Music and Indigenous Music Manager for Music NSW among other things.

“Michael brings extensive experience and knowledge of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and music community to the role,” Cottle said.

APRA ATSI Ambassador Shellie Morris offered, “Through the new ATSI office APRA is now able to focus on the task of directly helping in the development of the ATSI music industry as well as giving one on one service to its ATSI songwriter members.”