MusicNSW rolling out in more regional areas, hiring more regional music officers [exclusive]

Image: Paigge Warton

MusicNSW is expanding its operations in regional NSW with the support of Create NSW.

It announced it is hiring four new regional music officers to bring its team to a total of seven, each with their own region across the state.

The regional music officer pilot program aims to stimulate local music scenes to boost regional economies, support touring networks and grow opportunities for artists and businesses.

The officers play a major role in this. Their role is to connect musicians, venues, booking agents, promoters and councils.

They conduct census for their areas, work with other RMOs to set up a touring circuit with local venues, and work with councils, venues, schools, conservatoriums, RADOs and other organisations to increase performance opportunities for locals artists and to bring live music to young fans.

They support the development of music professionals through access to resources, grants and industry best practice.

The roles are three-days per week over a 12-month period, and include training and support from MusicNSW’s Sydney HQ.

Managing director Emily Collins told TMN that program so far in southern NSW has delivered networking events, professional development live events, regional manager Sound Advice one-on-one sessions and regional industry zoom consultations.

“The RMOs have also been developing an 800+ database of regional artists, venues and industry across the three pilot areas, and as well as tracking live shows via gig censuses since July 2019,” she added.

There are 14 Regional Art Network Development Organisation (RADO) areas. MusicNSW is looking at applications from Arts North West, Arts Mid North Coast, Arts Outwest and Arts Northern Rivers.

Head here to find out more about the roles, which regions are eligible, and to apply.

Applications open today (Tuesday) and close at midnight Sunday, March 28