Mudfest 2017 Creative Producer Callout – Live Music

Mudfest 2017 Live Music Creative Producer Callout

21st – 26th August

An exciting opportunity for University of Melbourne students to fill the role of Live Music Creative Producer for Mudfest 2017.

About Mudfest

The Student Union at the University of Melbourne has been contributing directly to Melbourne’s cultural life for well over fifty years. Mudfest has become a significant driving-force of creative power and since its inception in 1990 has established itself as a cultural icon on the emerging arts scene in Melbourne.

Mudfest has grown to encompass all forms of artistic expression. Presented every two years by the University of Melbourne Student Union, Mudfest nurtures, encourages and supports new and innovative arts practices amongst students, while also providing them with professional and creative development opportunities.

This year Mudfest will ask the question “How do we respond to an increasingly frightening world?” Under the theme ‘HATCH’, we hope to present responses that vary from kindness to rage, from small and quiet acts of hope, to loud and furious acts of resistance. The works will be cultivated with the aim to provoke both artistic and conscious growth.

Mudfest provides students with the unique opportunity to be a part of a festival environment that encourages cross-pollination with other disciplines and approaches, as well as fostering an environment of inclusion, and development. In 2017 Mudfest will maintain the initiative of showcasing works that are environmentally sustainable and accessible to people living with disability, encouraging artists to share their work in an inclusive and ethical environment.

Position TitleLive Music Creative Producer

CurrencyTime commitment is dependent on the works being produced, however there will be a minimum amount of time allocated towards regular meetings with the rest of the Production and Advisory team, and regular meetings with artists (approximately 2-4 hours per week). In the lead up to the festival, time commitment will increase, and applicants must be fully available from Sunday 20th August – Sunday 27th August from approximately 12pm-10pm (exact times likely to vary).

RemunerationThis is a paid position with flexible hours. The successful applicant will be paid a total amount of $3000 in instalments - $1000 upon commencing the role, $1000 upon the week of Mudfest (21st August) and $1000 after the conclusion of the festival and the submission of a report.

Role: / Live Music Creative Producer
Purpose of role: / The Live Music Creative Producer is Mudfest’s key interface with live music artists. They will be responsible for delivering a program of live music which is presented across multiple venues in Union House and on the Parkville campus.
Reporting line: / Artistic Directors, Mudfest
Production Manager, Mudfest
Mentored by: / Tony Ennis, Entertainment Coordinator
Key contacts: /
  • Artistic Directors
  • Mentor
  • Artists
  • Production Manager
  • Access Manager
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Marketing & Publicity Manager

Accountabilities and tasks: / Programming
  • Assisting to develop and implement the festival program informed by the Artistic Directors and Mudfest’s creative vision
  • Selecting successful artist applicants in consultation with the Artistic Directors and Mentor
  • Working with 10 – 15 artists and groups to deliver performances in public and traditional theatre spaces in Union House
Program Management
Managing programs and performances with the Production Manager.
This will include:
  • Liaising with up to 15 individual artist groups in the delivery of their works across multiple venues
  • Developing project timelines and overseeing the logistical requirements of musical presentations
  • Negotiating, securing and assisting in the installation of music performance stages in public and traditional spaces in Union House and on the Parkville campus
  • Assess and manage risks in live music performances
  • Recording activity and producing a report at the conclusion of the festival
Sustainability and Access
  • Liaise with artists to minimise environmental impact of works
  • Consider disability access and strive to make projects accessible

Key Selection Criteria: /
  • Applicants must be currently enrolled students at the University of Melbourne, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music or of the Victorian College of the Arts
  • Demonstrated knowledge of and interest in a range of musical styles, with an emphasis on exploration and experimentation
  • Awareness of Mudfest’s thematic content and commitment to working with artists in their creative development
  • Considerable level of experience in music / project management, arts curatorship, or other relevant areas
  • Administrative and organisational skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a small production team

Mudfest is an opportunity for current students to engage, upskill and learn about Performance Art Production through on the ground experience in a team of peers with diverse skills and experience. Therefore, EVERYONE eligible is encouraged to apply!

Application Process

Applications should be addressed to the Creative Arts Officers with the subject heading ‘Live Music Creative Producer’, and include a brief statement addressing the Key Selection Criteria (maximum one A4 page), a CV and contact details for 2 referees. Applications should be emailed as a single document to by 5pm Friday 17th March 2017. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview on the 21st-22nd March, at Union House, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010.