The How (Practical Steps): From personal experience, two composers offer an in-depth, step-by-step examination into the logistics required to successfully bring a new work to life. Key topics will include:
- How to Commission: A clear roadmap from initial concept to final performance.
- Consortium Building: Best practices for forming and managing a commissioning consortium to share costs and expand reach.
- Intellectual Property and Performance Rights: Understanding copyright, licensing (e.g., APRA AMCOS), and securing performance rights.
- Special considerations: from budgetary considerations to exclusive performance rights, we’ll talk about the finer details.
- Documentation: Contractual negotiations and protocols including the production of high-quality reference recordings and ensuring appropriate credits for commissioning participants.
- Distribution: will the final work be delivered in hard copy or PDF? Who will manage this distribution and how does this fit into the timeline?
The When: When is it a good time for you and/or your organisation to commission a work? What considerations need to be made to ensure a successful outcome for all involved? Key concepts include:
- Timelines: Working backwards from the première date, how do you establish a realistic schedule for composition, rehearsal, and première?
- Funding opportunities: what kind of arts funding is available on both a Federal and State level? Are there any philanthropic or sponsorship possibilities?
- Timing consortium invitations: considerations, techniques and sample budgetary templates to use in your project.
The Why: When you commission an Australian composer, you create an opportunity for the artist to tell our very own Australian stories.
Likhuta and Blackshaw will lead a lively discussion on the importance that commissioning has on the future of Australian Music. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how commissioning can foster a vibrant, Australian identity.
