Published 3 February, 2021

Following on from a hugely successful pilot program in 2020, the Victorian Music Development Office, in partnership with Diversity Arts Australia, are thrilled to be launching a new round of Fair Play: Equity, Inclusion and the Victorian Music Industry.

Open to four small-to-medium sized commercial music businesses in Victoria, this 4-month tailored training and mentoring program will focus on developing each business’s skills and capacity in working with First Nations people, people from underrepresented cultural and linguistic backgrounds and people with disabilities.

This program is not about box ticking, but systemic change within this sector. In Fair Play, commercial music businesses will learn how to change their structures and practices to genuinely improve accessibility, respect and inclusion of marginalised communities.

“We are thrilled to be running this program again with the VMDO, who are showing great leadership in working for greater equity and access in the music industry. The music industry is dynamic and socially influential, and is really well placed to be championing diversity and sector change” Lena Nahlous, Executive Director of Diversity Arts Australia.

Participants will undertake both educational and practical workshops across 19-weeks. With the support of expert trainers and a mentor, businesses will be given the tools and support to critically assess and dismantle existing barriers to participation in their workplaces. Participants will work to set realistic goals for creating organisational change and will complete the program with an Equity Action Plan tailored to their business.

Jaddan Comerford, CEO and Founder of UNIFIED Music Group said of his experience in the 2020 Fair Play program:

“I can’t say enough good things about the VMDO and the Fair Play program. The fact that we were given the chance to learn not only as a team but also alongside our friends from other music companies, was so great and brought together a real sense of community. The trainers were amazing and gave us great insights and teachings into such important topics. Now we also have our Equity Action Plan, which allows us to move forwards as a company with a clear set of goals to achieve. UNIFIED is a better company because of the Fair Play program.”

KEY DETAILS: 

Program Dates: 1st March – 9th July 2021

Who can apply: Small to medium commercial music businesses based in Victoria with approximately 10 or more employees. If you’d like to discuss your business’s suitability, please contact Melanie at melanie@vmdo.com.au.

Cost: Free for participants. This program is funded by the VMDO.

Submission closing date:  Monday 15th February, 5.00pm AEDT

PROGRAM OVERVIEW: Click here for the full schedule

EOIs for Fair Play are open now.