Applications are open for the AIR Women in Music Mentor program

The Australian Independent Labels Association (AIR) is taking applications for its second annual Women in Music Mentor Program.

The Women in Music Mentor program is a four-year nationwide training and mentoring initiative aimed at empowering women in the Australian music industry.

Applications are open to all female, female-identifying and non-binary participants working in or aspiring to work in the national music industry, whether it’s on the creative side, technical or in business roles like managing and promoting.

The program sees mentees paired with mentors over a 5-month period, with professional development training opportunities like workshops with industry leaders provided for both mentors and mentees.

95 per cent of participants surveyed from the program’s inaugural round last year rated the professional development offered as excellent, while 92 per cent said their career in the music industry had benefited from the program.

On top of that, 80 per cent of surveyed respondents said the program had created new opportunities for them.

A 2020 mentee named Chelsea said in a statement that she was “impressed at the diversity and volume of offerings” from the program.

“Thank you to Maria [Amato, AIR CEO] and the team at AIR for creating a terrific program… WIM is setting a new benchmark for mentoring programs!” she said.

Meanwhile, fellow 2020 mentee Victoria revealed that the program led to the “growth and reshaping of [her] attitude and outlook.”

“My mentor was incredible and helped me to think differently about my career and what is possible,” she said.

“That new attitude and way of thinking can be carried forward and used to secure future goals and opportunities.”

Supported by the Australian government, the nationwide project is expected to take place each year until 2023.

“This important program is part of the Morrison Government’s commitment to supporting the ongoing sustainability of our music industry, and is delivering important opportunities for women in the industry to develop and advance their careers,” said Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher.

First Nations people, people with disabilities, those who identify as culturally diverse and those who reside in regional Australia are all strongly encouraged to apply for the program.

Applications close at 5 pm on Friday, July 16th. Apply here.

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.