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 emerging solo and duo artists, showcasing the next generation of talent nurtured by Collarts, 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, CFO | PPCA & ARIA; Emily Dynes, Mental Health Program Coordinator | Support Act; Mary Whitehead, Media Arts Lawyer; 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; with more panellists to be announced
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.