WAM gets Catalyst funding to promote WA acts abroad

West Australia’s peak music association WAM (West Australian Music) has secured $45,925 in Catalyst funding for use on international exchange programs.

Citing the global success of WA acts as Tame Impala (who won Best International Group at the 2016 BRIT Awards and were nominated for a Grammy), Empire of the Sun and Pendulum, Federal Minister for the Arts Mitch Fifield said, “West Australian bands have proven themselves nationally and internationally… This Catalyst funding will help continue this phenomenal success in exporting Western Australian music to the world through WAM’s engagement initiatives.”

WAM Chief Executive Officer Mike Harris added, “We certainly have the amp tuned up to 11 over here in Western Australia. Access to international trends, intelligence and markets only helps support and advance the strong position we hold. A better informed sector is a better performing sector which contributes significantly to our social, cultural and economic well-being.

“As strong as the local scene is, it remains important to connect with global trends and thinking, and this Catalyst grant will enable WAM to make those connections.

“WAM’s international strategy assists acts looking to make their mark beyond our shores, as well as bringing a global perspective to those back home. The outcome is a local music sector best placed to continue WA’s incredible music legacy.”

WAM’s 2016 International Strategy includes international performance opportunities, attendance at conferences, communication with the sector and market support for West Australian bands at international showcases.

Among these are a tie-in with Asia’s Music Matters festival and conference, which this year is held in Singapore September 11-15. A number of executives are invited to atted, while Tired Lion, The Love Junkies, Angus Dawson, Coin Banks, Courtney Conway, Morgan Bain and Our Man In Berlin are among those who’ve showcased there.

Another initiative has been the Singapore WA Music Exchange (SWAM) where acts from both countries have played in each other’s venues and festivals.

Liberal candidate for Perth, Jeremy Quinn, emphasised the importance of West Australian bands getting tailored support to put their music before international audiences.

“We know how good our local bands are and this funding will help boost their chances of connecting with audiences in overseas markets,” he said.

Catalyst is administered by the Ministry of Arts within the Department of Communication and the Arts with the assistance of independent assessors. For further information on Catalyst, go to http://arts.gov.au/catalyst or call 1800 590 577.