With little performing arts training options available, flexible programs such as Expression fill a gap in the industry and provide a stepping stone for further development. This approach enhances the region's skills base and allows the area to become more self-sufficient. Community arts practice of open sharing of skills and knowledge allows communities to establish infrastructure for self-determination. They produce all their own promotional materials and produce all ad copy and editorial for press. They will next year be developing a music magazine and an Internet zine.
More gigs equal more punters, equals audience development in a simple sort of frame.
Today's youth arts audience is tomorrow's contemporary arts audience and the sector needs to recognise the valuable developmental role that youth arts can play in future audience development. The utilisation of the press on an ongoing basis has helped to establish a profile of the contemporary music sector in the psyche of the Cairns and far north community. Strong links with the media sector have enhanced access to the media, provided valuable promotion and exposure for an emerging sector. This year has seen the establishment of a number of new performing opportunities for new bands in the commercial sector as well as an increase in touring contemporary acts and performers. The unique aspect of the Cairns marketplace with a mix of international, domestic and local punters offers the contemporary music industry many options for audience development.