Spotlight Cairns

Capacity Building Organisation

Spotlight Cairns (formerly A-Venue Cairns) is an Arts Queensland funded, Cairns Regional Council managed music development Program.

Arts QLD first introduced the A-Venue youth music initiative as a pilot program in 2000. A-Venue was an important component of Arts Queensland's contemporary music strategy and Arts Queensland's regional arts strategy. A-Venue's tri-annual funding has ended and Creative Partnerships has now launched 'Spotlight Cairns' supporting young and emerging musicians in the Cairns Region.

The Program targets musicians aged 15-30, and is a proven success and has opened the door for many local bands that have gone on to establish careers in the music industry.

Spotlight Cairns aims to assist young emerging musicians 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.

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

This project has received financial assistance from the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.