Simone Schinkel steps down as Music Victoria CEO

Serving the not-for-profit organisation for almost four years, Simone Schinkel will wrap up her role at years end.

Music Victoria CEO, Simone Schinkel, has announced her decision to finish with the arts advocacy organisation at the end of 2024.

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Joining Music Victoria in the midst of the pandemic, Simone Schinkel navigated the tumultuous downturn in music industry activity, leading the organisation through advocacy and vital change. Her time in the role saw her secure over $88m in direct sector investment from the Victorian Government allowing Music Victoria to deliver a solid program of research, industry resources, professional development opportunities, targeted promotion, a help desk and an ongoing industry engagement and advocacy.

As CEO of Music Victoria, Simone Schinkel’s key achievements were substantial in influencing the Victorian music landscape for years to come, as well as celebrating its artists, venues and festivals. Those achievements include:

• Releasing the white paper Priorities for the Victorian Music Industry ahead of the 2022 Victorian state election where 75% of the proposed actions were endorsed by government, including ending the 13-year freeze on new late night liquor licences.
• Preparing and lobbying over 20 advocacy submissions to the federal and state governments. Most recently, a collective submission with over 500 Victorian music industry representatives for the next Victorian Creative State strategy.
• Introducing new Music Victoria Award categories to acknowledge the diverse Victorian music scene. These included Best Pop, Best DJ, Best Regional Festival, the Amplify Award for a disabled artist and the Diaspora Award.
• Inducting Victorian music champions in the Music Victoria Hall of Fame – Kylie Minogue, Pierre Baroni, Kirsty Rivers, Kutcha Edwards, Helen Marcou and Quincy McLean, Deborah Conway, Ollie Olsen and The Push.
• Undertaking and releasing the first ever whole-of-state Victorian Live Music Census in April 2023 (reporting on the period from 2019 to 2021). A 2024 update is scheduled to be shared later this year.

 

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“My journey at Music Victoria was made possible through an incredible and inspiring community alliance. We have achieved some great outcomes and it is a bittersweet moment that I announce my departure,” Schinkel says.

“While the landscape has changed during my time at Music Victoria, the power of music remains strong. We have continued to shape a more sustainable and equitable future. The Victorian music industry will continue to soar.”

“Our work is a collective effort and I am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to engage with some incredible people to achieve our vision to champion for the entire Victorian music sector.”

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our 5,000+ members, our dedicated staff and Board – both past and present – and our partners, industry advisors, fellow peak bodies and collaborators.”

Schinkel will finish at Music Victoria on 20 December 2024 and the Board will now commence recruitment for its next CEO. Find out more about Music Victoria news and programs here.

Words by Staff Writer