The Department of Industry under the Ministry of Trade and Commerce is advancing efforts to formalize and strengthen Vanuatu's music sector through the implementation of the Vanuatu National Music Policy 2022–2026 and the development of the proposed National Music Authority Act.
The initiative marks a major step towards transforming music from a largely informal cultural activity into a structured and sustainable industry that contributes to economic growth, employment, cultural preservation, and national development.
The National Music Policy is built around several strategic priorities aimed at strengthening the sector, including:
- Governance: Establishing the Vanuatu Music Council to provide leadership, coordination, and strategic direction for the music industry.
- Industry Growth: Expanding opportunities for musicians through initiatives such as mobile recording studios, instrument libraries, skills development, and grassroots support programmes across all provinces.
The proposed National Music Authority Act will establish the legal framework for the creation of the National Music Authority, an independent body responsible for regulating, developing and supporting Vanuatu's music industry. The Authority will promote industry standards, administer licensing and permit systems, facilitate copyright awareness, and support the establishment of provincial and municipal music associations to ensure inclusive participation across the country.
Speaking during the validation workshop held at the Melanesian Hotel in Port Vila, Director of Industry, Mr Noel Kalo, highlighted the importance of the proposed legislation.
"This Bill is about economic justice for our creatives. By legalising this framework, we are ensuring that Vanuatu's musicians can finally turn their raw talent into a protected, profitable, and respected profession."
Mr Kalo said the legislation will provide a strong foundation for nurturing local talent, protecting artists' interests, attracting investment into the creative economy, and creating sustainable employment opportunities for Ni-Vanuatu musicians.
The Port Vila workshop was the second national validation workshop undertaken as part of the legislative consultation process. The first validation workshop was held in Luganville, Santo, bringing together musicians and stakeholders from Vanuatu's northern provinces. The second workshop expanded consultations by engaging music artists and industry representatives from Shefa and Tafea Provinces, including musicians from Port Vila and Lenakel, ensuring that perspectives from across the country are reflected in the proposed legislation.
The validation workshop was coordinated by the Office of the Attorney General in close collaboration with the Department of Industry, ensuring that the proposed legislation underwent a comprehensive legal review and stakeholder consultation process before progressing to the next stage of development.
The workshop also provided an important platform for music artists, producers, event organisers, recording studio operators, cultural practitioners, and other industry stakeholders to share their views, experiences, and recommendations on the proposed legislation. Participants provided valuable feedback on governance arrangements, industry development priorities, artist protection, licensing mechanisms, and the overall structure of the proposed National Music Authority Act. Their contributions will help strengthen the Bill and ensure it reflects the needs and aspirations of Vanuatu's music industry.
The Department of Industry remains committed to working closely with musicians, cultural institutions, industry stakeholders, provincial governments, municipalities, and communities to ensure the successful implementation of the National Music Policy and the establishment of a transparent, independent, and accountable National Music Authority.
The Ministry of Trade and Commerce recognises the creative industries as an emerging pillar of Vanuatu's economy and remains committed to creating an enabling environment where local artists can thrive both nationally and internationally.