The Australia Council is offering a new opportunity - the Independent Producers Initiative. This initiative aims to strengthen and develop the business models of independent producers. Funds are available for producers to develop via touring, professional development and business needs.

The objective of the Independent Producers Initiative is to invest in programs that will strengthen and develop producers and the business models of Independent Producers to support the creation, producing and touring of Australian artists work.

Funding is available for Australian independent producers to strengthen and develop their business model and improve market development outcomes that raise the profile of Australian artists. Funds are available to support and develop independent producers in any performing arts related performance artform and mixed artforms such as music, dance, theatre, hybrid and circus.

The success of the initiative will be measured against the ability of the independent producer to: effectively realise more projects, take on new artist clients, develop new relationships in new markets and generate income.

Initiatives may request between $30,000 and $60,000. It is expected the applicant will also invest in or make their own financial contribution to the cost of the activities supported. Application deadline is 18 April 2011, for activity between 1 July 2011 and 30 June 2012. For more informaiton, visit the Australia Council website.