New Indigenous Music Business Program To Be Launched

This month will see the launch of Nurlu Jalbingan, the inaugural Professional Music Business Program for Indigenous Artists & Managers.

Taking place in Broome, from Thursday 13 to Sunday 16 June, the initiative aims to establish a dialogue between the mainstream music industry and Indigenous artists and management. This year will focus heavily on musicians and managers from Western Australia, with a more national based program to be rolled out in 2014.

Program Director Vicki Gordon said the initiative is a big step in bridging the culture gap in the local music industry.

"It is essential for non Indigenous practitioners in the music industry to connect with Indigenous artists, culture and country. I have been concerned for a very long time about the cultural gap which exists in our business and I hope that Nurlu Jalbingan will address this in some small way."

Key note speakers at the event will include iconic Aboriginal singer-songwriter Archie Roach, Natvie American guitarist Stevie Salas - who'll appear via satellite and award-winning artist Gina Williams.

Applications have closed now for any artists wishing to participate in the program.