ARIA Innovator returns with two new workshops

The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) is thrilled to announce that off the back of a highly successful ARIA Innovator in March – which drew 250 industry professionals to the State Library of NSW – two additional, exclusive ARIA Innovator masterclasses will take place before the end of 2025, with the full ARIA Innovator conference set to return in 2026.

The workshops will bring the minds behind Beyoncé's digital strategy and United-Nations-level AI innovation directly to Australian music professionals in intimate workshop settings.

Made possible with continued support from the NSW Government through Sound NSW, the masterclass series offers unprecedented access to global expertise that has shaped culture and technology at the highest levels.

Dr Nici Sweaney: AI Mastery Workshop

16 September 2025 – Artspace, The Gunnery, Woolloomooloo

AI and innovation expert Dr Nici Sweaney will deliver hands-on training in artificial intelligence applications for 50 music industry professionals. Participants will cut through AI hype to understand practical applications, discover how artificial intelligence can become a creative partner while maintaining human creativity and control, and learn safe, ethical AI use. The workshop will include hands-on sessions breaking down creative barriers, uncovering data insights, and mastering best practices for AI collaboration.

Dr Marcus Collins: Culture Leadership Masterclass

16 October 2025 – Artspace, The Gunnery, Woolloomooloo

Globally renowned marketing strategist and authour Dr Marcus Collins – who developed digital strategy for Beyoncé and led brand transformations for Apple, Google and McDonald's as Chief Strategy Officer at Wieden+Kennedy New York – will deliver an intensive masterclass on culture theory and brand leadership. Open to 70 participants, Dr Collins will guide participants through understanding their tribes, positioning brands to lead culture, and applying the strategies behind some of the world's most successful cultural movements.

ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd said: "The inaugural ARIA Innovator proved there's genuine hunger for world-class professional development in Australian music. These masterclasses take that conversation deeper, giving participants direct access to expertise that has shaped global culture and technology.

"We're talking about learning from the strategist behind Beyoncé's digital dominance and an AI pioneer who's defining how technology will transform creativity. These are rare opportunities for our local industry to learn from minds operating at the absolute pinnacle of their fields."

Dr Nici Sweaney said: “I’m so excited to be returning to host an ARIA Innovator masterclass. Australian musicians are already some of the most creative people in the world. With the right tools and ethical frameworks, they can also become world-leading innovators.

“I see this moment as both an opportunity and a moral obligation. If we want a future where culture leads technology, where human expression isn’t lost in the noise, and where Australian creativity stays globally competitive – we need to build that future, now. We need to be involved in shaping the systems, not just using the tools.”

Both masterclasses require advance registration with places strictly limited to ensure intimate learning environments. Interested participants must complete a survey before accessing ticketing links.

More information about ARIA Innovator in 2026, building on the momentum and connections forged at this year's landmark inaugural event, will be revealed before the end of the year.

To register, complete this form and visit aria.com.au/innovator for more information.

For more information, please contact:

Andrew Knowles

M: 0449 510 357

E: andrew@skmediagroup.com.au