Melbourne hosts the first creative industries delegation from India

The State Government of Victoria hosted a delegation of India's leading Creative Industries for the first time in Melbourne from the 14th 16th of February. The delegation explored business opportunities against the backdrop of the inaugural Asia-Pacific Triennial of Performing Arts (Asia TOPA).

The delegation included representatives from the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and ABAI (an association for the promotion of Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics Industry).

Set to advance the long-term partnership between Victoria and India through economic integration along with strategic engagement, the programme included a vibrant and enriching mix of cultural activities, events, site visits and networking dinners.

Australia's creative capital, Melbourne is home to unique fashion, art, culture, literature, games and music which reflects the country's rich artistic ambience.

The fashion delegates met with the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival and the Council of Textiles and Fashion to discuss capabilities, partnerships and participation. They also visited the universities to discuss innovation, research and industry engagement.

The animation and gaming delegates had an interaction with The Arcade, home to some of Australia's most forward looking digital game and application developers and had meetings with the universities, studios and companies to discuss new applications, in both entertainment and business platforms; technology solutions and new digital experiences.

The itinerary for the delegation also included everything that distinguishes Melbourne from any other city in the world:

The Melbourne Laneway Tour presented by the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival to showcase the city's finest food and wine in its renowned restaurant district with one meal course at the famous Master Chef Australia Chef George Calombaris' restaurant The Press Club

A visit to the National Gallery of Victoria to view avant-garde creations of Dutch fashion designers Victor and Rolf

An awe-inspiring performance by The Music of AR Rahman at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, with the music maestro AR Rahman himself performing along with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra creating some of the greatest moments in Asia TOPA.

Sunil Sethi, President of Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) said, "The State of Victoria is one of the most supportive and efficient places in the world to do business and Melbourne is one of the most fashion forward and stylish cities in the world. We see great synergies and look forward to strengthening our business and cultural ties with the State through the success of this delegation of designers."

Biren Ghose, President of ABAI (An Association for promotion of

Animation, Visual effects, gaming and Comics Industry) said, "The creative industry needs a particular ambiance. Melbourne has all of the elements that artists and technicians can leverage in innovating and developing world class content. The city has a vibe and energy that will attract the like-minded. We look forward to building a bridge with Victoria and this visit has shown us potential pathways to the future.