International Centre for Democratic Partnerships (ICDP)

ICDP is seeking to bring together Pacific Connect Community members and new faces from the Pacific and Australia for our next Pacific Connect Network Dialogue. Join us to hear from inspiring individuals who will share their insights and discuss ideas on how to foster a sustainable Pacific music industry.

Overview

At its core, music is unrivalled in its capacity to elicit powerful emotions, tell stories, preserve culture and unite listeners.

However, over one generation, digital technologies have transformed the music industry, managing three core and evolving transitions: Physical (CD/DVD to digital); PC to mobile (driven by smartphone penetration); and download to streaming. Industry revenue has come to be dominated by streaming, with tech giants like Spotify and Apple dominating this space.

Music is now more relevant than ever. Almost everyone carries a music listening device. However, not all in the industry have benefited equally – artists with smaller or niche followings have been increasingly marginalised from the sources of revenue, as streaming became the ubiquitous delivery mechanism. Covid19 has exacerbated the problem by severely curtailing touring revenues.

We are looking to explore new ideas for creating a sustainable future for smaller participants in the industry, and for whom the streaming services will never provide a sustainable income. Other creatives can also benefit. We want to explore new technologies, particularly blockchain and the use of tokens for artists to develop a meaningful and valuable listener base, while at the same time helping to preserve important cultural elements of the communities in which they operate.

Our Speakers

David Bridie, Founder of Wantok Musik Foundation and winning contemporary musician, songwriter and philanthropist.

Leading Technologist - tbc

Our Facilitators

Andrew Carriline, Ambassador of ICDP; and Nicole Jeune, Creative Director, JcPEM / The Vibe Girl Music Group, PNG.

What are we aiming for?

This dialogue will bring together a group of inspired thinkers from across industries through Talanoa style discussions to consider ‘how to support the development of a sustainable Pacific music industry in a new digital and streaming environment’.’

After being provided with scene setting information, participants will brainstorm and select one or a small number of projects to take forward and develop through subsequent meetings and online collaboration.

Through practical, action-oriented discussions and group work, participants will:

• Enhance business acumen and understanding of how successful businesses operate.
• Create opportunities to grow businesses through connecting with tech businesses, entrepreneurs and practitioners.
• Understand ways to develop your own economically sustainable ventures.
• Expand personal and professional networks for ongoing success.

Who can join?

We are looking for people with leadership skills, a positive, ‘big picture’ outlook, and a record of achievement in their chosen field.

Our participants will be courageous and passionate free thinkers willing to share their own networks and ideas to build a better tomorrow for all. A keen interest in digital technology is necessary, but technical skills are not.

How will you benefit?

Pacific Connect offers exciting opportunities for outstanding people in Australia and the Pacific to forge new relationships through continued engagement on common challenges. Opportunities may include:

• Business capacity building, including opportunities for informal/formal pitches.
• Study tours to experience Australian start-up and entrepreneur communities.
• An invitation to participate in future Pacific Connect Dialogues and international forums, including the annual Ideas Exchange.
• Unique networking opportunities with regional entrepreneurs & leaders.
• Mentoring and internships with Australian and Pacific organisations.
• Development of new commercial partnerships.
• Seed funding for select projects.

What is the ‘Network Dialogue’?

The Pacific Connect Network Dialogue brings together small groups of dynamic emerging leaders from the Pacific and Australia to build business capacity and foster collaboration. Using the unofficial, informal, consultative style of the ‘Second Track’ process and incorporating the Pacific ‘Talanoa’, the dialogue aims to set realistic goals in a trusted and safe environment. Facilitators encourage participants to share ideas and develop practical steps to reach them, whilst ensuring different perspectives and the expertise of others is valued in a respectful cultural context.

What is ‘Pacific Connect’?

Pacific Connect was launched by the Prime Minister of Australia in September 2017 to forge stronger, strategic-level relationships between Pacific and Australian leaders across the public, private, academic and community sectors. Pacific Connect is delivered by the International Centre for Democratic Partnerships (ICDP) and sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It operates in Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu. ICDP designs a program of activities to promote collaboration and business opportunities between Australia and the Pacific in applying digital technology to support sustainable development, with a focus on women and entrepreneurs.

Through Pacific Connect, ICDP brings together Australian business and emerging leaders with Pacific Islander counterparts to deliver locally led solutions to challenges, and to create an active network of engaged change makers.

It’s not just one day…

If you are already a Pacific Connect Community member – your stories with us have already begun. If you are new to our Community – welcome and enjoy the depth and breadth of knowledge, experience, and warmth. We also host post-dialogue connections, workshops, mentoring and project development – the Pacific Connect Community stays active, vibrant and collaborative! Click here to find out more!

Timing

Tuesday 20 July 9.00am-1.00pm Australian Eastern Standard Time.

A program and more details will be sent to registered participants in the lead up to the dialogue. To assist Pacific participants to get online and network, we will convene where possible and pending COVID19 restrictions, through our physical networking hubs in Port Moresby, Lae, Suva, Port Vila, Honiara, Nadi/Lautoka, Apia and Nuku'alofa. Other participants can dial in via a zoom link provided to registered participants.

If you want to be part of of the discussion and create change register before the closing date of Wednesday 14 July.