TRACK RECORD - Music Export Development Program

The Australia Council’s market development section aims to create more demand for Australian contemporary arts through supporting the promotion of Australian contemporary arts and the development of new markets and audiences, in Australia and internationally.

Purpose

The TRACK RECORD program provides support for career music managers interested in developing international markets for Australian musicians. The program aims to build the business capacity of Australia’s music managers to reach more markets, ensure momentum and build sustainable careers for Australian musicians in the international marketplace.

This program is part of market development’s International Music Strategy 2008-2011 and responds to the current global interest and demand in rock/pop and Indigenous music from Australia and also the growth of a strong and vibrant live music scene. It also recognises the increased importance of music managers securing international performance and touring opportunities for their rosters.

TRACK RECORD will provide financial support over a two-year period to at least 4 (four) music managers to cover project costs to develop and build relationships in specific markets for Australian musicians represented. Funding is available for a range of showcasing, promotional and travel-related expenses to assist managers to:

secure international performance opportunities for their music roster;
promote and sell current original Australian music acts into key international markets;
support creative, strategic and long-term international business opportunities; and
improve business sustainability.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants:
Music managers eligible for support must:

be based in Australia, be Australian citizens or have permanent resident status in Australia. Proof may be required.
have been music managers for at least two (2) years or have five (5) years music business experience prior to the deadline date of this program.
represent at least one (1) current and original Australian music act with an album or body of work that is nationally distributed and are ready to tour internationally.
have represented the original and current Australian music act(s) for at least 12 months.
have arrangements in writing to negotiate international tours, licensing contracts, sub-publishing or distribution deals for the Australian music artists represented for the period 1 January 2009 until 31 December 2010.

Individuals, groups and organisations are eligible to apply for funding.

Eligible Activities:
Applicants are encouraged to think as creatively as possible about the activities they wish to undertake under this program.

Activities supported include, but are not limited to:

attendance at international music trade fairs and festivals.
international business meetings with key decision makers from the music industry.
production and promotional costs incurred when initiating a strategic showcase opportunity at an international venue.
inviting key international decision makers into Australia to see live performances of the music acts represented.

Restrictions:

Proposals for activities that have already taken place will not be considered.
Only one application per management business may be submitted.
Individuals, groups or organisations in default of existing contractual obligations to the Australia Council are not eligible.

Successful TRACK RECORD applicants are eligible to apply to the LIVE ON STAGE and INTERNATIONAL PATHWAYS program for different projects or activities.

Grant amount

The maximum available per application is AU$40,000 over a two (2) year period (i.e. $20,000 per year). It is expected that the applicant will contribute to the cost of the activity supported.

The funding provided through this program will be paid in equal instalments over a two-year period, with half of the grant amount paid in 2009 (the first year) and the other half paid in 2010 (the second year). Successful applicants to this program will be required to provide a progress report at the end of the first year detailing their international promotions, strategies and outcomes, and the expenditure of the funds to date. Funding in the second year will be contingent upon receipt and acceptance by the Australia Council of the progress report and compliance with the contractual provisions during the first year.

Ineligible Expenses:

Business class airfares.
Business overheads.
Equipment purchases and other capital infrastructure expenses.

Assessment of application

An external panel made up of music industry advisers will assess proposals and make recommendations to the Australia Council for approval.

While your application may meet the stated assessment criteria, you are not guaranteed funding support. Support from this program rests ultimately on the merits of your proposal against the stated assessment criteria in competition with other applicants and available resources.

Assessment Criteria:

1. The extent to which the proposed activities will build capacity to support and sustain international music careers for Australian musicians.

Please outline a clearly defined plan for at least one (1) original and current Australian music act represented for the period 2009 to 2010. It is expected that the plan includes an innovative program of activities to support the international career development of the music act(s) represented with clearly identified project goals and outcomes; and strongly demonstrates a match between the music act(s) and the international markets targeted.

NB: Proposals detailing activities for more than one (1) original and current Australian music act will be highly regarded.

2.The extent to which the Australian music act(s) is export ready.

Export readiness will vary slightly between music styles and can be demonstrated by: the music act’s profile in Australia, extensive touring experience, a current album or body of work that is nationally distributed, a web presence, airplay, good sales and press coverage.

3.The extent to which the music manager has a demonstrated track record in music management and the business capacity to deliver live original music internationally.

Please include biographical information on the music manager undertaking the international market development activity. Please also provide a budget showing projected income and expenditure items for the anticipated program of activity for the two-year period.

How to apply

To apply for support, applicants must submit three (3) copies of the following:

Application Form
A statement of claims against each of the three (3) assessment criteria above.
Full promotional pack for the Australian music act(s) represented, including: an album, band biography including touring history, high quality photos and press releases.

Please send three (3) complete hard copies of your application to:

TRACK RECORD program
Market development section
Australia Council for the Arts
PO Box 788
STRAWBERRY HILLS NSW 2012

Funding applications postmarked after the closing date or applications received via fax or email will not be considered.

Applications which are incomplete or which do not contain all of the required materials will not be considered. Applicants will not be contacted if applications are incomplete.

Application deadline

Tuesday 7th October 2008 - for projects commencing 1st January 2009

Notification of results

Applicants will normally be notified of the results within 10 weeks of receipt of their complete application. The Australia Council does not release results over the telephone or via facsimile.

Applications will not be returned to the applicant. If you wish your materials to be returned, please contact Australia Council staff to make alternate arrangements.

Further information

For further information, please contact:

Joseph Alessi, Program Officer
International Market Development
Tel: (02) 9215 9178 or Toll free: 1800 226 912
Email: j.alessi@australiacouncil.gov.au

These guidelines are subject to modification without notice.