Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment, Andrew Stoner said the new ‘Creative Industries Taskfoce’ would help “to develop comprehensive strategies to drive growth, innovation and productivity”, adding they’d “develop a 10-year Industry Action Plan to deliver economic growth and support a sustainable and vibrant sector.”
More importantly for the music industry, Mr Stoner appointed ARIA’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Dan Rosen, to lead the twelve-strong line-up of various industry figureheads. “The taskforce is chaired by Dan Rosen,’ says the Depute Premier, “who brings exceptional experience to the taskforce across digital media, law, policy, and music.”
Further news of the newly implemented Creative Industries Taskforce arrived in the form of a media release from Mr Stone officially inviting creative figures to contribute to the industry plan that Rosen and his team are putting together.
The open invitation is calling for “public submissions to help shape the future of the sector over the next decade”. Mr Stone has also put together a report “capturing outcomes from a recent Creative Industries Think Tank” that is available online alongside an online forum through the state government’s Have Your Say website, which the Deputy Premier will use as a means of communication between the general public and his state-appointed taskforce.
Speaking of the creative summit, Mr Stoner said, “more than 80 of the best and brightest minds in our creative industries sector came together at a Think Tank during Vivid Sydney last month… industry leaders from fashion, publishing, architecture, music, advertising, design, film & television, gaming, digital media and the performing arts participated in the Think Tank, including members of the NSW Creative Industries Taskforce.”
Adding that, “the Taskforce is keen to hear from the creative industries on key areas of debate and discussion, including the digital environment, how to leverage our tourism and visitor economy, and opportunities for export growth and in regional NSW.”
Dan Rosen supported the new public incentive, saying “I encourage industry stakeholders and the wider public to visit the online forum, which will be open until 30 July.” Rosen will also be accepting email submissions and ideas which can be “sent directly via [email protected]”
Visitors to the online forum at Have Your Say can also register for further updates and developments on the Taskforce’s Industry Action Plan. Rosen having the last word in the press releasing thanking, “Everyone who has already given us an idea or two – this process has kickstarted an important conversation about the future of our sector.”
Rosen’s involvement and the open invitation to the general public is excellent news not only for recorded music and recording artists, but will also hopefully have a positive trickle-down effect on other issues facing music in Australia. Particularly given the recent climate of live music venues being forced to close their doors across the state; and potentially the problems surrounding the battle over Byron Bay as a site for major festival events (like Bluesfest and Splendour In The Grass).
