Arts Queensland first introduced the A-Venue youth music initiative as a pilot program in 2000. A-Venue is now an important component of Arts Queensland’s contemporary music strategy and Arts Queensland’s regional arts strategy.
The A-Venue program targets musicians aged 15-30, and is a proven success. The program has opened the door for many local bands that have gone on to establish careers in the music industry.
The program aims to assist young emerging musicians aged between 15 and 30 to develop their skills and professional opportunities in the music industry. The program supports access to business training, mentoring, industry induction, management skills training, access to production facilities and links to entertainment events in local communities.
A-Venue programs are delivered in Cairns, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Rockhampton, Southern Downs and Moreton Bay and based within those regional councils. [See contact details right]
The goals of the program are:
- To connect emerging bands and musicians with the professional music industry and develop partnerships locally, state-wide and nationally.
- To offer advice on training and professional development opportunities in performance and band management
- To provide regular showcasing and networking events
- To raise the profile of emerging bands and industry workers
- To encourage engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait people and those from diverse cultures
- To foster engagement and participation by young people in creative programs
Q Music is Queensland’s peak body for services to contemporary music, and has been contracted by Arts Queensland to provide coordination services to A-Venue partners.
