A Sound Future – South Australia’s Music Development Strategy
On the 28th of August, the South Australian Government, through CreateSA, launched A Sound Future, a new two-year strategy that will be delivered through the Music Development Office (MDO). The strategy aims to strengthen South Australia’s music sector and support its original contemporary music scene.
Key actions announced as part of the strategy include establishing a youth reference group to help develop the audiences and artists of the future, creating a venues program to support the presentation of original music in dedicated live music venues, and updating the MDO’s funding programs to better reflect the needs of artists and music businesses. An ongoing contemporary music reference group will also be established to help coordinate support for the sector.
Music venues can now apply for grants of up to $40,000 through the Venues Activation Program to support original live music, with applications closing Sunday 20 September. The Milestone Micro Grant program is also currently open and is set up as a quick response program to help artists and music businesses take advantage of short-notice, career-defining opportunities.
The strategy highlights the importance of connecting South Australia’s music sector with international networks and deepening the impact of Adelaide’s designation as a UNESCO City of Music. As a partner of the Music Development Office, Adelaide City of Music is already developing programs that will help connect with and build upon the priorities outlined in A Sound Future.
We are currently running our Pathways Program, which is exploring the international priorities and ambitions of South Australian artists and music industry professionals. The program will help identify opportunities to strengthen international connections and create meaningful pathways for the local music sector. To contribute to the Pathways Program, you can complete our International Mapping Survey.
We are also working on several other projects focused on discoverability and international connections, building on Adelaide’s position within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and creating further opportunities for South Australian music to connect with the world.
The launch of A Sound Future is an exciting step forward for South Australia’s music sector. Adelaide City of Music looks forward to continuing to work alongside the Music Development Office and the wider music community to support the strategy’s priorities and strengthen the opportunities available to South Australian artists, music organisations and audiences.