Creative New Zealand has announced that negotiations are under way for the first trans-Tasman composers exchange, as the result of discussions between the Centre for New Zealand Music (SOUNZ) and the Australian Music Centre. The exchange will bring together a number of partners to provide hosting, collegial public interaction, accommodation, travel, living expenses, performance opportunities and commissioning fees. SOUNZ Executive Director, Scilla Askew, says the exchange project will provide both a significant professional development opportunity for composers and general promotional opportunities for New Zealand and Australian music. Currently, a number of groups in New Zealand have indicated a willingness to host an Australian composer while Creative NZ has confirmed funding for a two-month stipend for a NZ composer to work in Australia during 2003.