Al Taylor re-elected for second term as WAM President

Western Australia’s peak music association WAM has re-elected its President Al Taylor for a second term.

Taylor, Group Managing Director of ad agency 303Lowe, comes from 30 years in marketing and communications. He has been on the WAM board for three years, and also serves on the boards of Awesome Arts for young people and the Communications Council, which represents marketing and comms agencies, and a Councillor on the Australian Business Arts Foundation.

At the board election on Sunday, also re-elected were Noah Shilkin (Lollybox Studio) who continues as Vice President, Steven McCabe (KPMG) as Treasurer and Bel Skinner (RedRock Music) as Secretary. Leanne Casellas was the sole new name elected onto the board.

Last year with Taylor at the helm, he and new CEO Mike Harris, the board worked at reorganising the association’s finances. As reported in The Music Network, it achieved a $160,000 turnaround from 2013 to report a $38,000+ surplus in 2014.

One of the board’s goals for 2015 is to change the perceived value of contemporary music in WA.

Taylor says, "There is no question, when it comes to contemporary music in this country, we punch way above our weight. But, the significance of this within this state is not fully realised. Alongside the massive contribution locally to culture and the economy, the contribution to Brand WA cannot be denied.

“For WAM to truly, effectively deliver on its vision, we need to elevate the perceived value of the organisation and WA music industry in the hearts and minds of the community, business and government – to a level that aligns with our considerable contribution. Key to this will be our ability to tell our story well, to make the case for the currently unrealised value of the contemporary music industry.

"We are in the planning stages of undertaking a significant research project that will specifically focus on identifying the true cultural and economical impact and value of the contemporary music industry in WA. We cannot underestimate the value of real, proven numbers as a foundation to seek support and greater funding and contribution."

WAM CEO Mike Harris noted, "There are challenges ahead for the music industry in WA and WAM looks forward to playing a central role in addressing these. Here's to a 2015 of moving forward and continually striving to ensure better opportunities for music in WA."

Next month the board will begin its organisational business planning sessions to position WA music as a force, both within the state and across Australia. It is asking for feedback from the public and the music industry. They are asked to send through their comments to input@wam.org.au by Sunday May 31 for consideration at the planning sessions.