Australia’s music sector is preparing for a fresh chapter of engagement with India after Sounds Australia, alongside the Australian Consulate General to Mumbai, confirmed a new opportunity for artist managers to take part in India International Music Week in 2026.
The announcement closed this morning’s India-focussed VMDO event, marking a renewed effort to strengthen creative and commercial ties with one of the world’s busiest music markets. Expressions of interest are open for Association of Artist Managers members keen to join a select Australian delegation travelling to Mumbai for next year’s conference and showcase festival.
India International Music Week brings together artists, executives and music businesses from across the globe. For Sounds Australia, the new program builds on earlier work in the region. Between 2012 and 2014, Australian artists were showcased in Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune, featuring names such as The Aston Shuffle, Big Scary, Cloud Control, Karnivool, Kate Miller-Heidke, Peking Duk, Sampology and Sheppard. The organisation has also led delegations to NH7 Weekender, Nokia Music Connects and All About Music, along with an inbound exchange during SXSW Sydney in 2024.
Esti Zilber, Executive Producer for Sounds Australia, said, “Sounds Australia is excited to return to India, bringing a targeted approach that draws on our track record of connecting Australian artists with audiences and opportunities worldwide. By deepening relationships with trusted industry partners and key players in the territory, we’re expanding networks that drive impactful outcomes, create lasting opportunities, and position Australian talent within one of the world’s most dynamic music markets.”
The week in Mumbai will include tailored networking sessions, curated panels, strategic meetings and public events, including a spotlight on Australia within the official program. Previous editions of IIMW have featured speakers from Spotify India, Believe Music, Warner Music India, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Publishing, Amazon Studios, Netflix India, Times Music, PRS India and Skillbox, as well as festival programmers, venue operators and export offices from more than 30 countries.
The Australian Consul-General in Western India, Paul Murphy, said, “Over the last year, we have seen an increasing number of Australian artists and industry leaders making their mark in India’s vibrant music scene. India’s dynamic music market offers vast opportunities for collaboration with their Australian counterparts. With a strong and globally respected music industry, Australia is well positioned to foster creative partnerships and cultural exchange. To build on this momentum, we are delighted to support an Australian presence at India International Music Week 2026. This engagement will be a powerful platform to showcase the Australian music ecosystem, build networks and explore bilateral opportunities.”
Victoria is set to strengthen its ties with India too. The Victorian Music Development Office has opened expressions of interest for two Victorian industry professionals working in fields beyond management, such as labels and agencies, to receive an AU$2,000 contribution to attend IIMW. The support is aimed at helping Victorian businesses gain direct access to the market, share expertise and build long-term partnerships across both communities.
Kirsty Rivers, General Manager of VMDO, said, “The VMDO is delighted to provide additional support for Sounds Australia’s delegation to IIMW and look forward to supporting two Victorian professionals in attending. Indian languages are the fastest-growing languages other than English spoken in Victorian homes, and looking to India is not only an opportunity to find out more about the export market, it is a chance to build on our shared cultural connections here in Victoria.”
Applications are now open.
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