Advocate
Community music is one of Australia’s largest and most accessible forms of cultural participation, yet it remains significantly under-recognised in policy, funding and strategic planning.
Community Music Australia advocates for greater recognition of community music as essential cultural and social infrastructure. We work with governments, funding bodies, arts organisations and industry partners to ensure that the voices of community musicians, volunteers and organisations are heard at a national level.
Our advocacy focuses on:
- Increasing investment in community music participation.
- Improving access to grants, facilities and resources.
- Reducing barriers to participation.
- Highlighting the social, educational and wellbeing benefits of community music.
- Ensuring community music is represented in cultural policy and decision-making.
By championing the value of community music, we aim to create a stronger and more sustainable future for music participation across Australia.
Connect
Community music brings people together. Community Music Australia exists to bring the sector together.
Across Australia, thousands of community music organisations deliver extraordinary experiences for participants and audiences every day. However, many groups operate independently and have limited opportunities to share ideas, resources and expertise.
Community Music Australia helps build stronger connections between organisations, leaders, volunteers, educators and musicians. We foster collaboration, encourage the sharing of knowledge and create opportunities for organisations to learn from one another.
Our work includes:
- Building a national network of community music organisations.
- Facilitating collaboration across states, territories and music genres.
- Connecting organisations with industry partners and stakeholders.
- Sharing examples of best practice and innovation.
- Creating opportunities for discussion, consultation and collective action.
A connected sector is a stronger sector, and by working together we can achieve more than any organisation can alone.
Support
Community music organisations are powered by passionate volunteers, dedicated leaders and committed participants. Community Music Australia exists to support these individuals and organisations in their work.
We provide resources, information and services designed to strengthen organisational capacity, improve sustainability and help groups overcome common challenges.
Our support activities include:
- Conducting national research and collecting sector data.
- Publishing reports and insights into community music participation.
- Developing practical resources for community organisations.
- Delivering professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Promoting programs and initiatives that increase participation.
- Connecting organisations with funding opportunities and sector expertise.
We are committed to helping community music organisations not only survive, but flourish, ensuring that people of all ages and backgrounds can continue to experience the benefits of making music together.