Applications open for Australian Women in Music Mentor program

The Australian Independent Labels Association (AIR) is taking applications for the Women in Music Mentor Program, which kicks off for the very first time later this year.

The training and mentoring initiative is open to all female, female-identifying and non-binary participants working in or aspiring to hone their skills in the national music industry, whether it’s on the creative side, technical or in a slew of business roles, including managers, promoters and label professionals.

According to AIR, the program is designed to “assist with career and leadership progression pathways, strategic decision making, corporate governance, and focus on developing skills in contract negotiation, financial literacy, marketing and leadership.”

Successful applicants will learn the ropes with a mentor over a five-month span, during which time they’ll tap into a range of professional development training opportunities, from workshops with industry professionals and more.

Thanks to support from the Aus. Government, we are thrilled to present the inaugural Women in Music Mentor program, a 4 year nation-wide mentoring program aimed at empowering women in the Australian music industry.

More information about eligibility here: https://t.co/kyqwxzW2w7 pic.twitter.com/01cDhdo3xl

— AIR (@ausindies) June 24, 2020

Once completed, the participant should have much better grip of this complex industry, with expert training across contract negotiation, financial literacy, marketing and leadership, organisers say.

“We look forward to delivering this program over the next four years and to working collaboratively with industry professionals, mentors and mentees across Australia,” comments AIR GM Maria Amato in a statement unveiling the inaugural program.

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

First Nations people, people with disabilities, those who identify as culturally diverse and those who reside in regional Australia are “strongly encouraged to apply,” reads a social post from the indies’ trade body.

Applications close at midnight on 31st July. Apply here.

AIR’s WIM Women in Music Mentor Program follows the launch in 2018 of the Australian Women in Music Conference and Awards (AWMAs), events which encourage and recognise the often-unsung women making an enormous impact in the industry.

The AWMAs returned in 2019 but will skip 2020 due to the health crisis. Planning, however, is said to be underway for the 2021 edition, to be held once more in Brisbane.

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