The reactivation of live music across Australia is one step closer, with $2.5 million in grants to be shared by 99 venues under round three of the Morrison Government's $20 million Live Music Australia program.
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the program will bring more original live Australian music to communities across the country - from pubs in the remote outback, to clubs in major capital cities.
"This funding will help the live music sector to re-emerge as Australians continue to get vaccinated and COVID-19 restrictions ease, allowing venues to begin to reopen and rebuild," Minister Fletcher said.
"It is important that our live music sector will be primed to host performances and gigs when permitted to do so, and by supporting these local venues now, we are increasing opportunities to see Australian artists get back on stage."
73 grants under this round of the program are for activities that will take place from November this year, providing 99 venues with a boost as we re-emerge from the pandemic.
President of Warner Music Australasia and Member of the Creative Economy Taskforce, Dan Rosen, said the funding will help support the reopening of the live music industry, which has been profoundly disrupted by COVID-19 restrictions.
"Artists and music fans around the country are looking forward to the full return of Australia's vibrant live music sector. This sector makes a significant contribution to the Australian economy and in particular boosts our hospitality and tourism sectors, as well as employing many skilled workers," Mr Rosen said.
"Live music venues and experiences activate thousands of venues across our cities, towns and regions, creating a dynamic sense of place and generating benefits for surrounding businesses."
Applications for round four of the program will open later this year, with funding to support venues from mid-2022 as they continue to re-establish regular programming of original live Australian music.
This funding brings the Government's investment to more than $8 million since the start of the program, supporting more than 300 live music venues and the recovery and sustainability of the live music sector.
The Morrison Government is investing more than $1 billion into the arts and creative sector in 2021-22.
