The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has attracted 250 industry experts to the NSW state libraries following the highly successful ARIA innovators in March, with two additional ARIA Innovator Masterclasses being held by the end of 2025, with the ARIA Innovator Conference returning to 2026.
This workshop brings the mind behind Beyoncé's digital strategy and UN-level AI innovation directly to Australian music professionals in an intimate workshop setting.
Enabling 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 level.
Dr. Nici Sweaney: AI Mastery Workshop
September 16, 2025 – Artspace, The Gunnery, Woolloomooloo
AI and innovation expert Dr. Nici Sweaney provides hands-on training in artificial intelligence applications for 50 music industry experts. Participants will get through the hype of AI, understand practical applications, discover how artificial intelligence can become a creative partner while maintaining human creativity and control, and learn to use safe and ethical AI. The workshop includes hands-on sessions that break down creative barriers, uncover data insights, and master best practices for AI collaboration.
Dr. Marcus Collins: Master Class of Cultural Leadership
October 16, 2025 – Artspace, The Gunnery, Woolloomooloo
The world-renowned marketing strategist who developed Beyoncé's digital strategy and led brand transformation by Apple, Google and McDonald's as Chief Strategy Officer of Wieden+Kennedy New York, author Dr. Marcus Collins offers an intensive masterclass on cultural theory and brand leadership. Open to 70 participants, Dr. Collins guides participants by understanding the tribe, placing brands to lead culture, and applying strategies behind some of the world's most successful cultural movements.
“The first Aria Innovator has proven that Australian music has a genuine hunger for world-class professional development. These master classes will embrace that conversation more deeply and give participants the opportunity to directly access the expertise that shapes global culture and technology,” said Annabelle Herd, CEO of Aria.
“We talk about learning from the strategists behind Beyoncé's digital advantage and the AI pioneers who define how technology can transform creativity. These are rare opportunities for local industries to learn from the heart to work at the absolute pinnacle of their field.”
Dr. Nity Sweeney said, “We are very excited to be back to host Aria's Innovator Masterclass. Australian musicians are already some of the most creative people in the world.
“I see this moment as both an opportunity and a moral obligation. If culture leads technology, human expression is not lost in noise and Australia's creativity remains competitive worldwide, now we need to build that future. We need to not only use tools, but also be involved in shaping the system.”
Both masterclasses require advance registration with strictly restricted locations to ensure an intimate learning environment. Interested participants must complete the survey before accessing the ticket link.
Details about Aria Innovator in 2026, based on the momentum and connections fake at this year's groundbreaking inauguration event, will be revealed by the end of the year.
For registration and more information, please visit www.aria.com.au/innovator
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