Director

Sia Ahmad brings over two decades of diverse music and arts industry experience and knowledge to MusicACT, including as a professional artist releasing a range of award-winning original music worldwide and performing at renowned venues and festivals including the City Recital Hall, Dark Mofo, SXSW Austin, Sydney Opera House and WOMADelaide. Working in the arts since 2011, she most recently has led the Creative Experience team at Ainslie+Gorman and manages the Artist Accelerator Program for Music in Exile, a not-for-profit supporting musicians with migrant or displaced lived experiences. Additionally, Sia curated and managed record label hellosQuare between 2004-2019

Sia is currently the board director for the Australian Music Centre, and has also served on the boards of the Australian Art Orchestra and Girls Rock! Canberra. From 2018 to 2021, she was a member of the ACT Ministers’ Creative Council and the LGBTIQA+ Ministerial Advisory Council.

As director of MusicACT, Sia will steer ACT’s peak-body for contemporary music and oversee its strategic direction following on from the work of the MusicACT committee and outgoing Association Manager Lucy Anh. 

Contact: sia@musicact.com.au

Program Manager

Aaron Crowe is a live music booker and promoter based in Canberra. He developed his passion for music after moving to the ACT in 2013, attending shows at The Phoenix and discovering artists like TV Colours.

Aaron’s career in the music industry began in 2022 at the iconic Canberra live music venue and nightclub, sideway, where he played a pivotal role in nurturing both emerging and established local talent. Working closely with artists and members of the Canberra DIY scene, he also brought renowned acts from underground music scenes across Australia and internationally to the city.

Following sideway’s closure in 2024, Aaron continues to book and promote independent, punk, underground, and countercultural music events through Sonic Business Ltd, working across a variety of live music venues in Canberra. In addition to his promotional work, Aaron plays bass in the latest iteration of the unstoppable Canberra power-pop band, New Age Group.

With a strong commitment to fostering Canberra’s vibrant music scene and building sustainable communities, Aaron is dedicated to supporting the local music community and its continued growth.

Contact: aaron@musicact.com.au