NZ Music Commission farewells Gary Fortune

New Zealand Music Commission farewells its long-time International Manager Gary Fortune

This week, the New Zealand Music Commission Te Reo Reka O Aotearoa farewells its long-time International Manager Gary Fortune.

Gary has led the international music market development scheme Outward Sound and the International Strategy at the Music Commission for the past ten years.

Gary said “I have met some amazing people, worked with some of New Zealand’s most talented artists and managers, I’ve looked after the Outward Sound program like it was my own and have seen it through many changes, growth and challenges. But, it's time to move on.”

Since launching in 2006, Outward Sound has supported almost 400 New Zealand bands, musicians and music businesses to work offshore in international markets.

Victoria Blood, Chairperson of the Music Commission, said "We should all be grateful for Gary’s decade of dedication to the cause. Ten years ago it would have been unimaginable that so many of our artists would be enjoying real careers on an international level. He will be much missed.”

Gary has represented New Zealand and coordinated the national delegations at all the major music trade shows in the world – including SXSW and CMJ Music Marathon in USA, The Great Escape in the UK and world music events such as Womex in Europe and the Australasian World Music Expo. His achievements in these areas were recognised when Outward Sound won Best Export Office at the British YMCAs – the Yearly Music Conference Awards in 2014.

Chief Executive Cath Andersen said “It’s been fantastic to work with Gary – he’s been a hugely important part of the team. There are far too many accomplishments to list, but I do want to note that not only has Gary done great work during his tenure at the Music Commission, but he has been a great colleague – and music fan.“

The staff and the Board of the NZ Music Commission wish Gary all the very best for the future.

ENDS

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