Since 2003, as part of the Contemporary Music Strategy, DCA has invested more than $1.9million in funding and programs which support Indigenous Contemporary Music. This support has included investment through the Contemporary Music and Indigenous Arts Panels and a number of strategic programs including:

• Regional and remote Music Skills Development Program for the Ngaanyatjarra Lands, through Nyaanyatjarra Media Association in Wingellina supported by the Looking Forward Panel
• Music Skills Development program for the Oomboolgarri Remote Community school in the East Kimberley.
• Ongoing triennial funding support for Goolarri Media Enterprises in Broome to support music development in the Kimberley
• The Indigenous Contemporary Music Business Unit (ICMBU), a partnership between the West Australian Music Industry Association (WAM), Abmusic and Goolarri Media Enterprises (Broome Musicians Aboriginal Corporation).

In 2011, DCA completed a Review and Evaluation of its ICM strategy, within a national context.  The review process included desktop research, a survey of the sector and key stakeholders, a Discussion Paper and a Focus Group.   It also included an evaluation of the ‘Indigenous Contemporary Music Business Unit (ICMBU)- a partnership between the West Australian Music Industry Association (WAM), Abmusic and Goolarri Media Enterprises (Broome Musicians Aboriginal Corporation).  The Review determined the direction of future support and identified the development needs of the sector to ensure its relevance within the context of the Department's current programs.

Since the completion of the ICM Review, DCA has implemented a number of key strategies to address priorities of the sector including the ICM Focus Group which had its first meeting in March 2011.  This group established new and reaffirmed existing, priorities for the sector.  This group’s second meeting was held in May 2012 and focused on industry benchmarking and evaluation of programs.

Since the completion of the ICM Review, DCA has also:

• Provided strategic funding to CICADA (Contemporary Independent Creative Artists Development Agency) in partnership with Goolarri Media Association for the Inaugural Indigenous Contemporary Music Camp, to held in Broome in May 2013. This event will focus on promoting Indigenous Music into the mainstream.
• Provided support for a mentoring program for Abmusic staff.

In 2013, DCA will implement other priorities, including a mentorship program for music management.

DCA is committed to continuing its support for the industry.   It continues to support the:   

• Regional and remote Music Skills Development Program for the
  Ngaanyatjarra Lands, through Nyaanyatjarra Media Association in Wingellina supported by the Looking Forward Fund and, 
• Ongoing triennial funding support for Goolarri Media Enterprises in Broome to support music development in the Kimberley.