A joint effort to tune into the economic potential of the Sunshine Coast’s music industry is spinning benefits for UniSC Creative Industries students.

Justine Dunsmore, the first University of the Sunshine Coast student selected to work with the AMPED Light Industry Music Project, was already working in her coveted role behind-the-scenes at the project’s recent launch at Kunda Park.

Justine, 27, of Sippy Downs, will be employed part-time for a year with the project, which includes industry mentoring, workshops, rehearsals, performances and showcases in partnership with key state and local organisations and high-profile festivals.

“It’s super exciting to see all the different aspects of how live music performances come together, from working with the artist to getting involved in stage management and production,” she said.

“I’ve been working in hospitality for 10 years and I’ve always been interested in the music industry. I enrolled in this degree and joined this project to help people achieve their dreams on stage and learn more about the industry.”

The University of the Sunshine Coast has partnered with local company Feral Arts on the project, funded by Arts Queensland with the aim of building a strong, grassroots music industry on the Sunshine Coast in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics.

UniSC Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Music Dr Andy Ward said his research had found the region had a high population of emerging musical talent despite a low number of suitable venues and incubators.

“The Light Industry project is an important part of a broader effort to encourage local professional development and stop skilled musicians and industry workers leaving the region,” he said.

Dr Ward expected more opportunities for students to gain experience, volunteer work and research with the project, which also aimed to reinvigorate light industrial areas such as Kunda Park with exciting arts and culture.

“Our Creative Industries and Music degrees are designed to help students build sustainable careers while boosting the capacity of the regional industry and economy,” he said.

AMPED project manager Ant McKenna said it was great news for early-career artists.

“This project will provide a supportive pathway preparing them for, and connecting them to, professional work opportunities in the Queensland music industry,” he said.