Victorian Govt Establishes Music Passport International Development Program

The Victorian state government has launched its long-touted Music Passport development program for local musicians, further developing their already considerable $22 million Music Works policy.

The program, announced by Creative Industries Minister Martin Foley today, is described as comprising "a suite of initiatives that will support Victoria's music industry to establish global links, learn from the best in the world and break into new international markets".

It includes an international fellowship program for both managers and record labels, and support for new international market development opportunities, as well as international showcases and inbound visits for music leaders from around the world to see what Victorian musicians have to offer.

The program is a joint initiative between the Labor government, the Australian Independent Record Labels Association, the Association of Artist Managers, Sounds Australia and Melbourne Music Week's Face The Music conference.

"As well as being a vital part of our culture, music is a big business for this state," Foley said in a statement. "Music Passport helps build businesses, strengthen careers and creates new opportunities to take Victorian music to the world.

"Through Music Works, we are investing in the industry at every level, from artists and venues to labels, managers and others working behind the scenes."

Part of that investment has seen several industry figures and artists receive a share in $500,000 in funding under Music Works' most recent grants round, including Fitzroy-based manager Charlotte Abrams (pictured far right, $3067), who will head to the UK to attend The Great Escape in order to further her networks, as well as the likes of Cookin' On 3 Burners (UK tour, $7000), D.D Dumbo (Euro tour, $12,000), Jen Cloher (UK/Euro tour, $15,500) and Simona Castricum (EP production and remix release, $13,000), among others.

See the full list of recipients here.

The original headline of this story erroneously attributed the program to Music Victoria; it is in fact an initiative of the Victorian government and Creative Victoria. The Music regrets the error.