Sunday sessions in Salamanca have received a boost with venue operators of Salamanca Place, between Gladstone Street and the silos, now able to showcase live musicians.
The Hobart City Council recently voted to endorse the trial concept brought forward by Alderman Marti Zucco and with two weeks of performances now in the bag, the trial seems to have hit the right note for venue operators and visitors.
With strict guidelines around the trial, it's set to give local performers a boost opening the door for more solo and duo performers to showcase their talent on Sundays in Hobart.
Ald Zucco said; "This is a fantastic opportunity for the City of Hobart to further support our local creative sector while delivering on our Capital City strategic plan to embrace creative and artistic participation and enhance our local lifestyle".
"This trial will aim to deliver a more vibrant public space and further enhance the Sunday atmosphere in Salamanca which will hopefully deliver benefits to venue operators and visitors alike."
Tasmanian Hospitality Association CEO Steve Old echoed his support for the trial.
"Our industry has faced significant challenges over the last few years and this trial by the City of Hobart is a great example of a small change that could lead to big positive impacts for venue operators and visitors alike," Mr Old said.
"We all know Sundays can be a bit hit or miss in Hobart so for Salamanca Place operators to have an additional entertainment option like this up their sleeve is fantastic.
"Live music is a critical part of Tasmanian hospitality offerings, and a key plank in our 2030 visionary document. We strongly support any measure which will promote our local musicians and showcase their talents."
Ald Zucco said in bringing the notice of motion to council he hoped the trial would help to deliver not only cultural vibrancy but a boost in economic success for the Salamanca businesses.
"Salamanca Place is widely known as the premier entertainment precinct of Hobart but like many other Hobart hospitality and entertainment venues, have done it extremely tough over in recent years so trials like this offer an important opportunity for us to bring something new to the community and learn along the way," Ald Zucco said.
"I've personally been down to Salamanca since the trial started and saw firsthand how patrons were stopping to listen to the live performers and even deciding to linger longer in venues.
"Looking forward, we hope it encourages people to venture out this winter and enjoy more live entertainment, especially with Dark Mofo performances not going ahead this year.
"Live music is a critical part of Tasmanian hospitality offerings, and a key plank in our 2030 visionary document. We strongly support any measure which will promote our local musicians and showcase their talents."
The trial started on February 18th and runs for 12 months across venues on Salamanca Place between Gladstone Street and the Silos and will only take place in already licensed external dining areas from midday to 8 pm on Sundays.
City officers will work with venue operators and the community throughout the trial to understand what is working well and make any changes as appropriate.
After the trial, a report will go back to council to consider its future as a permanent fixture on the Salamanca set list.
Pictured: Local musician Peter Holloway.
