The
Genesis Commissioning Surveys aim to establish a snapshot of the current commissioning rates and commissioning practices in industry across Australian creators of classical, jazz, improvised and experimental music, and sound art, referred to collectively as Art Music. This will serve as a template which can take snapshots over time, allowing for the analysis of data trends in the future.
The data collected from this survey will be used to measure the current valuation of music creation by commissioners and the metrics by which music creators value their work. This data in aggregate will inform the creation of a report of the current state of the industry and a best practices guide (and rate card) to ensure transparent guides for commission fee negotiations.
A lack of transparency on commissioning rates disproportionately impacts those with less bargaining power in negotiating, whether it be based on inexperience or other factors such as societal perception. Providing these baselines grants a form of equity and benchmarking and removes a barrier to artists earning an income, especially for artists from traditionally disempowered demographics.
This project is being delivered by composer and arts worker Cameron Lam in collaboration with Creative Australia and Music Australia.
Survey InformationWhat information do I need to complete the survey?
For this survey, you will be asked questions about your commissioning practice, as well as recent pieces that have been commissioned from you.
You do not need to provide exact financial information. Your best estimate with the information and knowledge you have readily available will be sufficient. You may find it useful to review any available accounting, tax records and commissioning documentation to assist in completing the survey.
How much time will it take to complete the survey?
The survey should take approximately 15 minutes to complete for one commission, and up to 30 minutes for three commissions. You'll notice a black progress bar, tracking your progress under the next button on each page. During the survey, you can save your progress if needed and return at a later date.
How will the information I provide be used?
The data that you provide will be accessed and used by Creative Australia and Cameron Lam as part of the Art Music Commissioning Rates research project. A research report summarising the findings of the project will be made publicly available. Individual responses will not be published or identified as part of this research.
Privacy statement
Music Australia is a dedicated body to support and invest in Australian contemporary music established by Creative Australia. Creative Australia is required to comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles set out in the legislation. Details on Creative Australia's privacy policy and contact details are available
here.
Contact details
For further information on this project please contact Cameron Lam at hello@cameronlam.com. For technical questions related to this survey, please contact Belinda Balhatchet (Research Program Manager) at belinda.balhatchet@creative.gov.au.