Mr MITCHELL - 1996-10-17
What are the latest moves by the Territory government to support and develop the contemporary music industry in the Territory?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am pleased to provide information on the development of the music industry. As members will recall, the former Darwin Music Development Centre was disbanded. Since that time, the music industry in Darwin has rallied and regrouped - or some parts of it have - and a group of musicians and people actively interested in contemporary music have formed a group called Music Industry Development Incorporated (MIDI). One of the principal aims of MIDI is to be a voice for the industry. The Territory government has provided it with initial funding of $10 000. The group has been working with the Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs in relation to making plans for the successful future of the contemporary music industry. In addition, we have been looking at a range of ways to assist it with its plans to develop local musicians and bands. Recently, we identified recording and rehearsal premises for local musicians at lot 1669 in Winnellie. It is the site where, last year, the
locally and internationally known band Yothu Yindi recorded its latest album. It has proved a popular venue for recording and for rehearsal. We are attempting to identify someone who can coordinate the use of the facility that has been provided through our property section rent free.
I have received a comprehensive report from industry representatives on the various needs in relation to a performance venue. The department is looking at this report. It will continue talking with industry representatives about specifications and helping to identify suitable premises for a performing venue. In the meantime, I commend members of the local music industry on their initiatives. They have taken advantage of a somewhat under-utilised performance space in the Brown's Mart theatre courtyard. I believe audiences of up to 200 people have been entertained by musicians and bands at that venue. It is certainly satisfying to see this very attractive venue, which is supported by the government, being put to good use by local performers.
We have also given an undertaking to contribute $20 000 towards next month's annual Oz Music Day. In the past, that music day program has provided an excellent opportunity to encourage emerging and new artists. We are certainly keen to continue to work in partnership with the local music industry to encourage more of our talented musicians to achieve both national and international recognition. We have some very talented Territorians and some of them are starting to make their mark.
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am pleased to provide information on the development of the music industry. As members will recall, the former Darwin Music Development Centre was disbanded. Since that time, the music industry in Darwin has rallied and regrouped - or some parts of it have - and a group of musicians and people actively interested in contemporary music have formed a group called Music Industry Development Incorporated (MIDI). One of the principal aims of MIDI is to be a voice for the industry. The Territory government has provided it with initial funding of $10 000. The group has been working with the Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs in relation to making plans for the successful future of the contemporary music industry. In addition, we have been looking at a range of ways to assist it with its plans to develop local musicians and bands. Recently, we identified recording and rehearsal premises for local musicians at lot 1669 in Winnellie. It is the site where, last year, the
locally and internationally known band Yothu Yindi recorded its latest album. It has proved a popular venue for recording and for rehearsal. We are attempting to identify someone who can coordinate the use of the facility that has been provided through our property section rent free.
I have received a comprehensive report from industry representatives on the various needs in relation to a performance venue. The department is looking at this report. It will continue talking with industry representatives about specifications and helping to identify suitable premises for a performing venue. In the meantime, I commend members of the local music industry on their initiatives. They have taken advantage of a somewhat under-utilised performance space in the Brown's Mart theatre courtyard. I believe audiences of up to 200 people have been entertained by musicians and bands at that venue. It is certainly satisfying to see this very attractive venue, which is supported by the government, being put to good use by local performers.
We have also given an undertaking to contribute $20 000 towards next month's annual Oz Music Day. In the past, that music day program has provided an excellent opportunity to encourage emerging and new artists. We are certainly keen to continue to work in partnership with the local music industry to encourage more of our talented musicians to achieve both national and international recognition. We have some very talented Territorians and some of them are starting to make their mark.
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Last updated: 09 Aug 2016