Resonate Magazine | Australian Music Centre

After 23 years, the New Music Network has announced its closing at the end of 2018. Since 1995 the Network has championed a culture of new and experimental living music in Australia, empowering artists, ensembles and organisations by creating spaces for the discussion, creation and promotion of new works. In 2017 the NMN Committee pledged not to seek funding from grants that could otherwise support the direct making of art. The Committee released a statement earlier in November, confirming its closure and the plan for the annual Peggy Glanville-Hicks address to continue, presented by the Australian Music Centre from 2019 onwards.

'The New Music Network is loathe to operate in competition with Australian artists, reducing their opportunities to create and deliver new works. It has become clear that in these circumstances, and without the benefit of multi-year funding, the organisation can no longer continue to operate in a financially sustainable manner. Accordingly the Committee has made the difficult decision to formally close the Network while the affairs of the organisation are in good order and key aspects of our mission can continue under the guidance of new hands. The New Music Network's prominent and beloved annual event, the Peggy Glanville-Hicks Address, will continue to unite our community and ignite debate for many years to come. From 2019 the Address will be presented by the Australian Music Centre. The AMC shares New Music Network's vision for the promotion, advocacy and support of art music in Australia, and we strongly encourage all New Music Network members past and present to continue to support Australian new music by becoming members of the AMC.'​

'The New Music Network would like to thank all who have supported our organisation throughout the years - our members, supporters and committees past and present, the Australian Music Centre for ensuring the continuation and legacy of the Peggy Glanville-Hicks Address, and all of the artists who have inspired us with your commitment to exploring the new and experimental, challenging the boundaries of what experimental music can do.'

AMC CEO John Davis says,

'We welcome the New Music Network handing custodianship of the Peggy Glanville Hicks Address to the Australian Music Centre, and take on this responsibility with great respect to the tradition established over the 20 Addresses delivered to date. Since its founding in 1999 (under the leadership of then NMN President Marshall McGuire), the Address has developed into a landmark event in the Australian new music scene. Peggy's return to Australia in the 1970s was facilitated by then AMC Director James Murdoch, who provided a role for her at AMC in developing a collection of music by Asian composers, so it is most fitting that the AMC's association with her can continue in this way.'

The 2018 Peggy Glanville-Hicks address is being presented this week by composer Cat Hope, with one more event remaining in Perth tomorrow Thursday 29 November.

> Read the Closing Statement on the New Music Network website

[Edited 28 November - statement by John Davis.]