Arts Queensland
International Contemporary Music Markets
How we work with them and how they can work for you

Arts Queensland's music market development program

In our small market it is vital for our artists to access national and international markets to achieve viable careers and employment. Arts Queensland supports the development of global markets for Queensland music through an International Market Development program. This is a key initiative in Press Play Arts Queensland's contemporary music strategy, delivered in partnership with Trade Queensland's contemporary music export strategy (QMEx).

Support is available to:

• assist Queensland artists and representatives to access new markets
• provide showcase opportunities for export-ready artists
• provide travel funding to bands invited to showcase at targeted music markets
• fund BIGSOUND as a key Australian music market.

This program aims to:

• Create opportunities to increase market share for Queensland artists.
• Maximise business opportunities for tour and export-ready artists and representatives.
• Foster industry networking and collaborations with key international buyers.
• Provide viable careers for Queensland musicians through increased employment.
• Position Queensland as a dynamic, well-coordinated provider of quality music.

Anticipated outcomes are:

• Increased Queensland contemporary music presence, value of activity, and artist employment in international markets and touring circuits.
• Increased Queensland industry experience using markets as key business tools.
• Richer domestic and international collaborations, networks and influences
• Heightened Queensland profile as a respected, energetic international music contributor.

Our Market Partnerships

International Markets

Musexpo (external site), Los Angeles USA, May, with Trade and Investment Queensland

Musexpo is a contemporary music market in the United States. The Queensland Government has partnered with this market since 2005. Showcases are held in noted LA music venues and are open to delegates. Trade and Investment Queensland arrange business development assistance for attending Queensland representatives and coordinate the participation in the competitive showcases. Services are provided by A&R Worldwide, the company producing Musexpo. Trade and Investment Queensland assist with export advice, preparation and on the ground assistance.

Up to two Queensland bands can receive travel support if selected for showcases.

The Great Escape, (external site) Brighton, UK , May, with Trade and Investment Queensland

The Great Escape is a contemporary music festival / market in Brighton England. The Queensland Government developed a partnership with this event in 2008. Showcases are open to the public as well as market delegates. Queensland delegates can also utilise an Australian event under the Sounds Australia banner. Trade and Investment Queensland assist with export advice, preparation and on the ground assistance.

Two Queensland bands can receive travel support if selected for showcases.

Music Matters, (external site) Singapore, May, with Trade and Investment Queensland

Music Matters is a pioneer music industry event in Asia. Now in its sixth year, in 2011 Music Matters moves from Hong Kong to Singapore and will continue the showcasing introduced in 2010. This market has a strong business focus with an emphasis on online entertainment and the digital media sector.

Domestic Markets

BIGSOUND, (external site) September, Brisbane

Organised by contemporary music peak body Q Music, BIGSOUND is a national contemporary music conference and showcase that attracts buyers and decision makers from across Australia and the globe. Showcases are open to the public and are held in Valley music venues over two nights. The Queensland Government supports BIGSOUND through Arts Queensland. The conference attracts over 450 delegations and showcases more than 60 bands.

Australasian World Music Expo (external site), November, Melbourne

This event commenced in 2008, and is organised by Terrasphere Productions and held at the Arts Centre in Melbourne. It is supported by the Australia Council for the Arts and the Victorian Government. There are public & industry world music concerts and a small conference. This market has an Indigenous focus and showcases groups from Australia and the Pacific Region.

Up to four Queensland groups can receive travel support if selected for showcases. Indigenous groups and groups with Indigenous members are prioritised for support.

How government works with these markets

A structured partnership is maintained by Trade and Investment Queensland and travel support provided by Arts Queensland. Each partnership is tailored to that market. Markets are selected on the basis of:

• the opportunity they offer to Queensland artists
• suitability of the market for our product
• value that can be leveraged from investment.
• the events reputation in the music industry as a place to do business
• the high calibre of delegates and music buyers

How do artists get selected

• Showcase opportunities are promoted through Q Music
• Artists make submission online
• An expert panel shortlists submissions against assessment criteria
• Panel comprises local and national music industry experts. Queensland government officers are observers on these panels
• Shortlist is sent to market organisers to assist their final selection
• Selected groups may be eligible for travel support from Arts Queensland
• Q Music is contracted by the Queensland Government to provide this service

Selection Criteria

Each market is different and criteria are tailored accordingly. Submissions must meet all of the criteria to qualify. Criteria generally require:

• act to be based in Queensland (i.e. must have a Queensland registered business name and/or mailing address)
• high quality original music
• commercially released and distributed CD(s)
• strong management team and/or record label support.

The following credentials are considered in artist selection: Quality music/ recordings; Touring experience in domestic market and/or overseas; Career history and developments/ achievements in domestic market and/ or overseas; Radio airplay; Music video clip; Press exposure; Demonstrated export readiness - established profile/audience in Australia; well developed plan/ strategy and clear objectives for the international marketplace; details of current activity in relevant markets.

Travel Support Funding

Funding for attendance by Queensland delegates at these markets is managed through a dedicated fund. Travel support is provided for:

• three international markets
• two domestic markets with an export focus
• international travel support of up to $2 000 per person, up to $10 000 per band
• domestic travel support of up to $1 000 per person, up to $5 000 per band

The Fine Print

• Support is provided to performing band members and one manager / representative
• The manager/representative must be Queensland based to receive funding support
• If the band is self managed the manager is counted as a band member
• Sound engineers and other support crew are not eligible for travel support
• There is no limit to how many times a band can access support, however; if a band secures more than one showcase at a Queensland Government supported market in any eighteen month period, support for the second market is likely to be 50% of the standard amount offered or less
• Artists receiving travel support are required to provide outcome reports to Government
• Artists can make submission to the market directly, however they may not be eligible for Arts Queensland travel support or other funding
• Artists can apply to published Arts Queensland grant programs to support international touring and showcasing at markets where the Queensland Government does not have a partnership. However, funding for this purpose is very limited, and restrictions apply.
• The majority of Arts Queensland travel support for international showcasing is directed through the markets detailed above.

Other Funding

Artists may be eligible to apply to the Australia Council for the Arts for assistance with International Touring or showcasing. More information at Australia Council (external site)

How to Apply

Bands do not need to directly apply for travel funding for these markets. If your band submits a showcase application through Q Music for one of the supported markets you will be automatically considered for travel funding support. Bands should check the Q Music website (external site) where showcase opportunities are promoted

Role of Q Music

Q Music is contracted by Arts Queensland to:

• promote showcase opportunities and receive showcase submissions on line
• coordinate selection panel meetings and advise artists of outcomes
• manage distribution of travel funds to approved showcasing bands and representatives
• facilitate preparatory and follow up meetings with showcasing artists
• prepare digital and other marketing materials
• submit a comprehensive report on opportunities and outcomes
• provide post market updates

Q Music personnel are not involved in the selection process.

Making the most of music markets

Here are a few tips:

• Plan ahead; identify your goals for the market, be ambitious yet realistic
• Ensure you are ready and suited to the market - if in doubt take advice
• Do you need a visa - research the requirements and costs early
• Secure other bookings to offset the costs
• Set up some meetings beforehand, target key people to meet
• Attend pre market briefings, especially first-timers
• Attend the functions, performances, talks - attend everything!
• Avoid the hard sell - better to build relationships
• Be patient, things take time
• Have a return to market plan before you go

Future Market Development

Arts Queensland recognises that music markets are dynamic and constantly changing. Priorities for music market support are determined annually and planning works 12 - 18 months ahead. Queensland Government officers attend domestic and international markets and commitments and outcomes are reviewed, and new opportunities regularly considered. Industry intelligence and input on future market opportunities is always welcome.

For more information contact and Arts Queensland Dance & Music officer: 07 3224 4896

Information

Queensland

Arts Queensland, call 07 3224 4896 or check the website

Q Music, check the website (external site)

Trade and Investment Queensland, check the website (external site)

National

Check the Australia Council website (external site)

Check the Sounds Australia website (external site)

Check the Austrade music website (external site)