Today the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office (NATSIMO) unveils a new strategic plan, outlining its mission and goals as a peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music creators. The NATSIMO is an Indigenous-led initiative of music rights management organisation APRA AMCOS.
The NATSIMO will celebrate with a virtual launch on its Facebook page on Friday 30 October 11:30AM AEDT featuring special performances from Busby Marou and a collaboration from up-and-coming talents JK-47, Jarulah Slabb and The Boy of Many Colors.
Founded as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office in 2012 as a dedicated department within APRA AMCOS, the Office’s scope has grown considerably in recent years.
The appointment of Darwin-based Leah Flanagan to the Office's National Manager role in late 2019 set the wheels in motion for a revitalised five-year strategy to better support members’ career advancement through advocacy, programming initiatives and development opportunities.
NATSIMO Mission Statement:
The NATSIMO is an Indigenous-led initiative of APRA AMCOS and peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music creators. We support the growth and development of songwriters and composers and advocate for a thriving, self-determined Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music industry.
NATSIMO Vision:
Value
Help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members to understand the value of their music to advance their careers, and advocate for their rights;
Self-determination
Promote the growth of a self-determined Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music industry;
Connect
Connect our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members and the music industry whilst encouraging Best Practice;
Advance
Champion opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander songwriters and composers to advance their careers
"At the NATSIMO, we want to encourage the music industry to be better when working with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members. Not only is our focus to support the growth and development of our songwriters and composers, but it is also crucial for us to work with the music industry to make sure that the wide variety of perspectives from our members are adequately heard, addressed and valued,” said Flanagan.
Working alongside Flanagan at the NATSIMO is Writer Representative Donna Woods, who is based in Brisbane. Together they are curating a masterclass series for 2021, which will focus on song craft, creativity, professional development and more.