BOOST: Round 2 (The Great Escape) opens and Round 1 (SXSW) participants announced
Published 22 March, 2023
The Victorian Music Development Office (VMDO) and Association of Artist Managers (AAM) Australia are thrilled to launch Round 2 of BOOST: Victorian Artist Managers' Export Assistance Program, aimed at reconnecting Victorian Managers with international markets.
For Australian artists showcasing at major international industry events such as SXSW (Austin, US) and The Great Escape (Brighton, UK), the on-ground presence of their manager or management team is essential to provide comprehensive support. Artists have enough on their plate navigating showcase performances, rehearsals, and other activities - it is the managers who will be there working to maximise opportunities for their artists. BOOST offers a fund of $15,000 which is divided equally between all eligible candidates in order to support their journeys.
5 Victoria-based managers benefitted from Round 1 of the program, receiving a healthy contribution towards the costs of travelling to SXSW in Austin, Texas.
Those managers were:
Lorrae McKenna (RVG)
Damien Platt (Tulliah)
Phoebe Zantis (Huntly)
Shaun Adams (Floodlights)
Dave Batty (CIVIC)
VMDO and AAM believe it is vital that managers attend with their showcasing artists, allowing the team to fully take advantage of these pivotal global career moments. With The Great Escape coming up in May, we are opening round 2 in order to help VIC-based managers of officially showcasing acts get to Brighton.
VMDO and AAM launched “BOOST” to financially support Victorian managers who are attending SXSW or The Great Escape with a showcasing artist. All eligible managers will receive a share of $15,000 (per round), which will be evenly distributed and offered as a bursary to all eligible applicants, assisting them with the cost of attending.
Victorian Music Development Office (VMDO)
The Victorian Music Development Office (VMDO) is a Victorian Government initiative delivered by Music Victoria – it has a commitment to boosting the growth and evolution of the Victorian contemporary music industry, supporting the creation of sustainable opportunities and ensuring Victoria maintains its reputation for great music.