The Music Development Office (MDO) facilitates the development of South Australia’s music industry
The MDO is a dedicated government office focused on supporting and championing the growth of the local contemporary music industry in South Australia.
The MDO was originally set up by a partnership between Department for State Development and Arts South Australia in response to recommendations made from global music industry professional Martin Elbourne (Co-Founder Womad, key booker for Glastonbury Festival and Creative director and co founder of The Great Escape in Brighton). The office was established in 2014 and was the first government office of its kind in the country.
Based at ILA – Immersive Light and Art in the heart of Adelaide, the Music Development Office sits within the Creative Industries team of Arts South Australia, at the Department of the Premier and Cabinet
The MDO is proud to celebrate Adelaide’s designation as a UNESCO City of Music. Adelaide is one of 63 other Cities of Music around the world, as part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network and is Australia's only UNESCO City of Music.
A new Music Development Office strategy is in the works
The Music Development Office team is currently delivering the '2023-2025 Music Development Office Strategic Plan: Supporting Revival.' In consultation across South Australian Government agencies and with key industry leaders, organisations and contributors, the team is also working through the next strategic direction from 2025.
Read more about the Music Development Office Strategic Plan