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BIGSOUND 2023 launched today in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, marking the start of a four-day music industry event that connects thought leaders, delegates and artists from across the globe, and forges pathways for the next generation of artists.

QMusic’s annual BIGSOUND conference at the Judith Wright Arts Centre features international speakers, mentors, and workshops by day, and culminates with 150 artists showcasing their work across 18 Fortitude Valley venues at night.

Earlier this year, the Queensland Government boosted its support for BIGSOUND with nearly $4 million over the next four years to secure a strong future for the annual industry conference and showcase, raise the international profile of Queensland contemporary music and grow First Nations music.

Central to the new investment is the Goolwal Goolwal initiative, a partnership between QMusic and Triple-A Murri Country that will deliver significant market development opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and create a global hub for First Nations music in Brisbane.

BIGSOUND 2023 intersects with Brisbane Festival 2023 and QMF’s Queensland Music Trail in Brisbane, delivering a significant month of music this September across the river City.

Capacity building and profile-raising events like QMusic’s BIGSOUND support delivery of the Queensland Government’s Creative Together 2020-2030: a 10-year roadmap for arts, culture and creativity in Queensland, with a focus on priorities including sharing our stories and celebrating our story tellers, elevating First Nations arts, and embracing Brisbane 2032 across Queensland.

QLD Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch notes “Queensland is uniquely positioned to elevate the awareness, understanding and contributions of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contemporary arts, cultures, and storytelling within the music sector.

“Our government’s investment in BIGSOUND and its Goolwal Goolwal initiative ensures First Nations artists are being supported to realise their potential as contemporary musicians through enhanced career development and showcase opportunities.

“Over the next four years, BIGSOUND will play a pivotal role in building Queensland as the global hub for contemporary First Nations music.

“QMusic is also supported by the Queensland Government, receiving $1.8 million over four years through Arts Queensland’s Organisations Fund, to support services for the Queensland music sector and ensure BIGSOUND will continue to be Australia’s leading contemporary music event.

“Our live music industry supports strong economic outcomes in Queensland, and last years’ BIGSOUND alone injected more than $7.7 million into the state’s economy, with more almost 11,000 people participating in or attending BIGSOUND 2022.

“Through its initiatives and outcomes, BIGSOUND celebrates and strengthens Queensland’s reputation as a leader in the future of contemporary live music.

Kris Stewart, QMusic Chief Executive  adds “2023 will be an incredibly exciting BIGSOUND for the entire Queensland music community, as we have never seen the volume of international industry leaders descend onto the valley like we will see this year.

“The business done for our artists will be incredible.”

For BIGSOUND 2023 information, visit www.bigsound.org.au

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