Applications will soon close for the first round of grants for venues, in support of the live music industry.
The Federal Government announced a grants program on 11 August to support hotels and clubs in further engaging live music artists.
A total of $20 million will be provided through grants over the coming four years, consisting of two funding rounds of $2.5 million available per year.
“Live Music Australia aims to support the development, growth and innovation of Australian contemporary live music by increasing performance opportunities for original contemporary music by Australian artists,” explains a spokesperson for the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.
“The program will support venue-based live music industry by building venue’s capacity to host professionally run live music performances and aims to support partnerships, collaboration and networks across the Australian live music industry.”
The first year of funding is aimed at preparing live music venues following the impacts of COVID-19. First round applications are now open, closing midnight 13 September.
“Small to medium venues, including pubs, are encouraged to apply for Live Music Australia funding for activities that will support our talented musicians by increasing opportunities for them to perform their original music live.
“The Live Music Australia program will assist those venue operators, who are keen and enthusiastic supporters of up-and-coming and established musicians, but who may have found the associated costs of staging live events prohibitive.
“This funding can assist operators with the start-up costs or ongoing expenses of providing quality venues for live gigs.”
Grant funds may be used for activities including but not limited to:
- programming and promotion, including artist fees
- purchasing equipment for staging performances
- carrying out minor building alterations to enable live music performance or increase capacity
- professional development, including upskilling venue staff
More information on the program, and how to apply, can be found at: https://www.arts.gov.au/funding-and-support/live-music-australia
