Fast Track Fellowships to provide international opportunities for Victorian industry

Designed specifically to help Victoria’s local music industry build international networks, AAM, AIR and the Victorian Government have delivered a brand new initiative – the Fast Track Fellowship.

The program will see two artist managers and two indie label owners undertake professional development opportunities at overseas music companies for a period of two months or more.

It’s all part of the Victorian Government’s $22 million Music Works package implemented in 2015 to provide increased opportunities for the state’s contemporary music industry.

“The Fast Track Fellowships are an example of how we are backing our music industry and the people and businesses that drive it,” said Martin Foley, Minister for Creative Industries.

“This program is all about taking our industry to the next level and creating genuine opportunities for international growth. It’s the first program of its kind and we are proud to work with AIR and AAM to make it happen.”

AAM Executive Director Leanne de Souza tells TMN that the initiative is all about nurturingcreative and business links for industry personel.

“It’s the first time that there’s been an investment in artist managers building international relationships,” de Souza said. “A Fellowship like this is about building relationships and networking as much as watching how things work over there in the trenches.

“Culturally, it’s similar but you can be open to different perspectives which of course would be valuable to the overall thinking process in doing business in those territories.”

Along with strengthening the state’s music industry, the Fast Track Fellowship will serve to as an avenue for future trade and will provide a valuable pathway for artists looking to break into international markets.

Maria Amato, AIR General Manager says, “The Fellowship allows the head of a label, or one of their representatives, to go and work for eight weeks with someone they respect and build up a relationship with them, and find new ways to increase their revenue and new perspectives on doing business.”

Further information on the application process, selection criteria and eligibility will become available via AAMand AIRin the coming months.