ROAR FEST Grassroots Sessions presented by Collarts in partnership with PPCA.

ROAR FEST - Celebrating Women in Music takes centre stage on the 2025 Labour Day long weekend. With a vision to see "more women on and off the stage", ROAR FEST is more than a music festival - it's a movement designed to drive change and inspire action through music, art and meaningful connection. Check out the full ROAR FEST lineup of events here.

ABOUT THE GRASSROOTS SESSIONS:
Dive into the heart of music and industry innovation with the "Grassroots Sessions", proudly presented by Collarts - ROAR FEST's Official Education Partner in partnership with PPCA.

Designed to inspire, educate, and connect, this free program offers a platform for emerging artists and music industry workers to gain invaluable insights and opportunities.

Held at Victorian Pride Centre in St Kilda, the Grassroots Sessions feature a series of interactive panel discussions and live showcases from Collarts students and alumni. Industry experts from Collarts, ARIA, AIR, APRA, Support Act, Crew Care plus more, will explore key topics such as diversity, funding, career development, and navigating challenges, empowering attendees to achieve impact and success in the music industry.

In between panels, enjoy dynamic performances by Collarts students Oline Hopen, Tiarnie Haridemos and Hannah Donelley, and network with a variety of industry organisations.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025
• Time: 12:45 PM – 5:00PM (doors open at 12pm, with the first music performance commencing at 12:20pm)
• Location: Victorian Pride Centre, St Kilda
• Cost: Free (registration required) - donations to Support Act can be made at the checkout.
• Tickets: You can register to attend one panel, two panels or all three. Please select the panels you wish to attend at the checkout

This event reflects the shared commitment of ROAR FEST, Collarts and the PPCA to foster creativity, diversity, and growth within the music industry. Join us to gain practical knowledge, network with industry professionals, and be inspired by the vibrant voices shaping the future of music.

Panels

• Panel 1 - 12:45pm - 1:25pm : Navigating the Music Industry as an emerging artist and worker
  Moderated by Monica Strut, Music Journalist, Music Manager & Musician
  Featuring panellists: Julia Robinson, Head of Policy & Advocacy | ARIA & PPCA; Brittany Long, Music Photographer AND Wild Gloriosa, Musician & Collarts Alumni 
  For both emerging artists and workers it can be tricky to know how to launch your career in the industry. Our panelists will share their first hand experience in navigating different areas of the industry. From study, work experience, mentor relationships, career paths and more. Come and get some tips from the people that have paved the way before you!

• Panel 2 - 2:05pm - 2:45pm : Managing money in the Music Industry
  Moderated by Maria Amato, CEO | AIR & Executive Board Member | WIN
  Featuring panellists: Lynne Small, COO | PPCA & ARIA; Emily Dynes, Mental Health Program Coordinator | Support Act; Mary Whitehead, Media Arts Lawyers; Annie Pirotta, Writer Services Rep | APRA AMCOS
  Having a steady flow of income as a creative is sometimes the thing holding you back from doing what you love. Join representatives from APRA, PPCA, AIR and Support Act, to learn about different revenue streams in the music industry. Discover ways to gain funding, and pick up some tips on how to manage financial stress and anxiety with Support Act.

• Panel 3 - 3:25pm - 4:05pm: Creating Opportunities in the Music Industry
  Moderated by Triana Butler, Broadcaster
  Featuring panellists: Eliza Hull, Musician; Sarah Davenport, Collarts Alumni, Triple J Unearthed presenter & Programming Director | SYN MEDIA; Gretta Ziller, Musician & Mentor; Katy Richards, Event Management Program Leader | Collarts, Board Member | Crew Care & Founder | Ground Control
  How do you find your own opportunities to take the next step in your music career? Join our panel and hear from their first-hand experience on how they developed and grew their careers by discovering unique and creative opportunities. Be inspired by their personal stories and gain some tips on how to build momentum for a long lasting career in music.