It has been a tough few years for live music in NSW, yet Aussie musicians continue to produce music that is garnering some serious international attention.
Melbourne is proof that investing in local music is crucial to our cultural growth and fosters a thriving scene.
The Morrison government is finally recognising the importance of Australian music to the nation and has announced $30.9 million in funding to support our local artists and venues.
Australia possesses a wealth of musical talent which is seeing a massive international interest growing. A 2017 Goldman Sachs report showed the US music industry revenue was likely to reach approximately $100 billion USD by 2030, and with significant government and industry partnership, Australia could be in for a hefty 5% piece of that.
Dean Ormston, the CEO of APRA AMCOS, stated this morning,
“Importantly, this announcement recognises the importance of live music to the development and presentation of musical talent. Live music in our cities, regional centres and towns provide them with a competitive advantage, driving jobs, tourism and supporting the night-time economy.”
The impact of this scale of funding will be massive for the reconstruction and development of the Australian music scene through its support of live music venues and critical investment for indigenous music, mentorship programs and exports.
The breakdown of the proposed funding is as follows:
$22.5m in live music grants for small businesses
$2.1m for a Women in Music Mentor program
$2.7m for Indigenous Contemporary Music
$2m to the Australia Council to increase performance opportunities
$1.6m to expand SOUNDS AUSTRALIA to capitalise on emerging markets in Asia
