In response to RMIT research, APRA AMCOS has announced a raft of initiatives to increase female participation.

APRA AMCOS has responded to a report exploring gender diversity in the Australian music industry with a raft of new initiatives designed to increase female participation, with a commitment to doubling annual female membership applications to its own ranks within three years.

From next year, organisations applying for APRA Music Grants for external programmes will need to show that at least 40 percent of the participants are women, or a commitment to tackling gender disparity. Other initiatives include mentoring programmes for emerging female artists across a range of genres. In line with research recommendations, at least half the mentors will be men. APRA AMCOS will also invest annual in technical skills training and programmes to help build confidence and networking skills.

APRA AMCOS is Australia’s largest music organisation and the body that collects royalties for musicians. Only 15 percent of its own Board positions are currently held by women and it is yet to commit to 40 percent female participation but has said this could be implemented.

The announcements come in response to the release of a research report called Australian Women Screen...