ArtistDirect News
2026 Regional and Remote Music Summit to Convene in Mount Gambier, South Australia
The 2026 Regional and Remote Music Summit is set to unfold in Berrin / Mount Gambier, South Australia, from 28 to 30 October. Presented by MusicSA, the three‑day gathering will convene artists, industry leaders, community advocates and policymakers to chart the future of music beyond metropolitan centres.
MusicSA CEO Christine Schloithe explained that the program "has been designed around the experiences of regional artists and industry workers". She added: "We’re delighted to share the first release of program highlights and guest panelists for this year’s Regional and Remote Music Summit. From the SA Roundtable on Day One through to the final session, every element of this program centres the lived experience of regional artists and industry workers and the conversations we have in Berrin/Mount Gambier will shape how industry connects, supports and sustains regional music for the future."
The summit’s inaugural speaker roster features 25 representatives from across the Australian music industry. Key figures include Alex Pinte of Wildlive, Ant McKenna of the Australian Live Music Business Council, Dr Ben Green of RMIT University, Millie Millgate of Music Australia, Mark Smith of MusicNT, Ros Abercrombie of Regional Arts Australia, and musicians Rob and Sophie Edwards. Other speakers bring expertise from Service and Creative Skills Australia, Creative Australia, Lyrebird Arts Council Committee, The Sound Doctor, Gutwrench Records, Australian Music Industry Network, General Admission Entertainment, Rock Lock Records, Queensland Music Festival, MusicNT, Balya Productions, The Unconformity, UNIFIED, Neighbourhood Productions, Chop Street Music, and Morph Consulting.
The agenda is organized around three themes. Day 1 launches with the South Australian Regional Music Roundtable, where local communities discuss shared priorities and future action. Day 2 tackles the future of regional and remote music, covering leadership outside capital cities, the role of music in communities, building sustainable artist careers, and new approaches to measuring success. Day 3 is action‑oriented, addressing infrastructure, investment, collaboration, touring networks, venues, festivals, workforce development, First Nations social and emotional wellbeing, emerging business models, and new research.
South Australian Deputy Premier and Minister for Arts Kyam Maher MLC welcomed the event, stating: "The Malinauskas Labor Government is proud to support the 2026 Regional & Remote Music Summit in Berrin/Mount Gambier and welcome music industry leaders from across Australia to South Australia’s Limestone Coast, and I’m personally pleased to see this event come to my hometown of Mount Gambier. Regional communities have always played a vital role in Australia’s music story, producing exceptional artists, building strong local scenes and enriching our cultural life. This Summit provides an important opportunity for regional artists, venues and industry professionals to connect, share ideas and strengthen the future of regional and remote music. Hosting this national event in regional South Australia reflects our commitment to creating opportunities for artists and music workers while ensuring regional voices help shape Australia’s music industry."
The summit is delivered by MusicSA in partnership with the Australian Government through Music Australia and the Government of South Australia through the Music Development Office. Further speakers and the full program will be announced in the coming weeks.
Marking its third year, the Regional and Remote Music Summit has become a key forum for dialogue on the sustainability of regional music ecosystems across Australia. The 2026 edition will deepen discussions on touring networks, infrastructure investment and workforce development, while giving regional artists a platform to share their experiences with national stakeholders.
For more information and to register, visit the summit’s official website.
MusicSA CEO Christine Schloithe explained that the program "has been designed around the experiences of regional artists and industry workers". She added: "We’re delighted to share the first release of program highlights and guest panelists for this year’s Regional and Remote Music Summit. From the SA Roundtable on Day One through to the final session, every element of this program centres the lived experience of regional artists and industry workers and the conversations we have in Berrin/Mount Gambier will shape how industry connects, supports and sustains regional music for the future."
The summit’s inaugural speaker roster features 25 representatives from across the Australian music industry. Key figures include Alex Pinte of Wildlive, Ant McKenna of the Australian Live Music Business Council, Dr Ben Green of RMIT University, Millie Millgate of Music Australia, Mark Smith of MusicNT, Ros Abercrombie of Regional Arts Australia, and musicians Rob and Sophie Edwards. Other speakers bring expertise from Service and Creative Skills Australia, Creative Australia, Lyrebird Arts Council Committee, The Sound Doctor, Gutwrench Records, Australian Music Industry Network, General Admission Entertainment, Rock Lock Records, Queensland Music Festival, MusicNT, Balya Productions, The Unconformity, UNIFIED, Neighbourhood Productions, Chop Street Music, and Morph Consulting.
The agenda is organized around three themes. Day 1 launches with the South Australian Regional Music Roundtable, where local communities discuss shared priorities and future action. Day 2 tackles the future of regional and remote music, covering leadership outside capital cities, the role of music in communities, building sustainable artist careers, and new approaches to measuring success. Day 3 is action‑oriented, addressing infrastructure, investment, collaboration, touring networks, venues, festivals, workforce development, First Nations social and emotional wellbeing, emerging business models, and new research.
South Australian Deputy Premier and Minister for Arts Kyam Maher MLC welcomed the event, stating: "The Malinauskas Labor Government is proud to support the 2026 Regional & Remote Music Summit in Berrin/Mount Gambier and welcome music industry leaders from across Australia to South Australia’s Limestone Coast, and I’m personally pleased to see this event come to my hometown of Mount Gambier. Regional communities have always played a vital role in Australia’s music story, producing exceptional artists, building strong local scenes and enriching our cultural life. This Summit provides an important opportunity for regional artists, venues and industry professionals to connect, share ideas and strengthen the future of regional and remote music. Hosting this national event in regional South Australia reflects our commitment to creating opportunities for artists and music workers while ensuring regional voices help shape Australia’s music industry."
The summit is delivered by MusicSA in partnership with the Australian Government through Music Australia and the Government of South Australia through the Music Development Office. Further speakers and the full program will be announced in the coming weeks.
Marking its third year, the Regional and Remote Music Summit has become a key forum for dialogue on the sustainability of regional music ecosystems across Australia. The 2026 edition will deepen discussions on touring networks, infrastructure investment and workforce development, while giving regional artists a platform to share their experiences with national stakeholders.
For more information and to register, visit the summit’s official website.