Sounds Australia Unveils Stimulus Package To Restart International Touring

Sounds Australia has announced a targeted support program that will help the local music industry restart its international activity.

Announced this afternoon during AIR’s Indie-Con music conference, the Sounds Australia Export Stimulus Program has been “designed to bolster Australia’s music export activity and support the industry as they return to global stages”.

$1.2 million will be distributed over the next 18 months as competitive grants that will assist with:

• Visas (petition application and associated legal fees)
• International Flights, Freight and Carnets
• Pre-Tour Rehearsals (venue, wages, backline)
• Artist Managers to travel with their acts overseas
• Hotel Quarantine
• Insurance and other COVID increased premiums

The funding has been made possible by APRA AMCOS, ARIA, PPCA, the Australia Council for the Arts and the Office for the Arts agreeing to redirect Sounds Australia’s 2020 and forecast 2021 retained surplus toward the SAES Program, while Minister for the Arts Paul Fletcher has committed additional funding to the initiative.

The new package will help artists, crew and music professionals to “realise significant career milestone opportunities, earn much-needed income after 18 months of cancelled work, and support Australia’s quest to become a net exporting music nation”.

“We knew two months into the pandemic that we needed to plan and be able to provide assistance in ways we never had before,” Executive Producer Millie Millgate said.

“Whilst we embraced and continue to present virtual showcasing and online networking opportunities, real tangible and practical export support is essential. 

“We thank the Australian Government and our industry partners for the innate understanding and action they have taken with respect to both the belief in, and creation of, this export stimulus program.”

APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston added: “APRA AMCOS is proud to have helped foster this partnership between the Australian Government and the Australian music industry. 

“It puts the export of Australian music front and centre of our country’s post-pandemic strategy. Year upon year Australian artists are making a name for themselves across the four corners of the globe. 

“This investment will be key to Australia’s goal to become one of the few net exporters of music, delivering a significant economic and cultural dividend for the nation.”

It’s expected the new funding will also benefit Australian managers, labels, publishers, crew and merchandisers as international revenue streams return.

Applications will open on August 9 to solo artists, bands, DJs, producers, songwriters, technical crew, management companies, and labels and publishers that are working to export Australian music and looking to engage in support touring/live shows, co-writing, media appearances, tour managing, stage production, business meetings and more.

For more details on eligibility and how to apply, head to the Sounds Australia website.