The Seed Management Workshop Opens 2027 Applications as it Marks 21 Years

The Seed Fund has opened applications for its 2027 Management Workshop Program, marking 21 years of supporting emerging artist managers and self-managed artists across Australia.

Founded by John Butler and Danielle Caruana (Mama Kin), the artist-led initiative was conceived in 2005 after the pair identified a need for greater support, resources and industry connections for emerging managers and artists navigating their careers independently.

The inaugural workshop took place in 2006 at the Clarendon Hotel in Katoomba, bringing together 20 emerging managers and self-managed artists for a five-day residential intensive featuring workshops, panels and opportunities to connect with established industry professionals.

Two decades later, the program has grown to accommodate 35 participants annually, combining a five-day intensive with a 12-month mentorship program facilitated by alumni.

Its alumni network new exceeds 360 people, many of whom return to share their knowledge and experience with new participants.

Reflecting on the program’s beginnings, Caruana said its success demonstrated the generosity and collaborative spirit within Australia’s music community.
“It felt like such a simple idea: let’s get a room full of emerging managers and self-managed artists and share all of our resources and connect them to the people they wish they could have a coffee with and fire questions at.

“What was striking in hindsight was how much generosity was in the community to turn up and freely share their information, strategies and assets, and how quickly the cohort turned to supporting each other.”

Caruana said the experience also reinforced the value of taking an independent approach to addressing gaps within the industry. “It was the independent mindset of looking at something and seeing a gap and just going after filling it ourselves.”

Butler said the workshop’s guiding principles have remained unchanged despite its growth over the past 21 years. “I’m struck that after this many years the program is still embedded with the same exact spirit as we started,” he said. “It’s always been an act of building connection. To focus on community rather than competition, relationships over industry.

“To learn from each other and cross-pollinate. To provide a space for those who’ve done so much good work over the years to give back to a newer, and just as hungry, generation of creatives.”

The Seed Fund is a not-for-profit organisation focused on supporting artists and managers through advocacy, professional development and industry collaboration.
Applications for the 2027 Management Workshop Program are now open and close at COB on Friday, November 20, 2026. Applications can be submitted via theseedfund.org/apply.