South Australian Government announces financial boost for live music scene

The South Australian Government, through their See it LIVE program, is investing $850,000 to boost live music venues and support the state’s music industry.

Rather than targeting larger festivals, the grants are aimed at smaller live music venues, with eligible venues able to apply for grants of up to $60,000 to host live music, with a focus on original content to attract patrons and create employment opportunities for local musicians, lighting and sound techs.

This comes in the wake of a report by APRA AMCOS, a music rights management organisation, released in 2023 which highlighted that Australia has lost 1,300 small and mid-sized live music venues since the start of the COVID pandemic, one-third of the entire sector.

To be eligible for the SA Government funding, venues must be a dedicated live music venue, who regularly host live music performances, and have a permanent stage with live music as a significant part of their operations.

SA Arts Minister Andrea Michaels announced the new grants, days after ticketholders to Vintage Vibes festival were left in limbo when promoters announced they were postponing the two-day event – a few weeks from its scheduled date.

Minister Michaels noted “we know how challenging the past few years have been for our live music industry…we are investing nearly $1 million to bring more live music to the state through new grants designed to attract patrons and create employment opportunities for musicians and production support staff such as sound techs with a focus on showcasing original music.”

On 15th December 2015, Adelaide was designated as Australia’s only UNESCO City of Music. The designation is an acknowledgement of the breadth, depth and vibrancy of the city’s music culture, its international reach, its history and its aspirations.

UNESCO City of Music General Manager Joe Hay welcomed the recent funding announcement by the SA Government, which he said came at a difficult time for the industry.

"Small-to-medium venues are essential ... it's where people get their go, it's where they practise, where they get experiences and find new audiences, and they're essential, so this funding it very welcome at this moment.

“These venues are essential to the health and vitality of Adelaide’s dynamic music culture.

“The Government’s support will go a long way in helping venues and artists navigate some of the most difficult conditions faced by the sector in a generation.”

Christine Schloithe, Chief Executive of Music SA commended the SA Government for their financial support noting “times have never been tougher for independent live music venues and artists than what they are right now as the music ecosystem continues to recover from years of disruption and uncertainty.

“This funding injection provides a lifeline for live and local venues, artists and audiences at a very difficult time for South Australia’s music industry.”

The state government will also be investing a further $50,000 to bring more live music across the state during the 2024 Adelaide Fringe. Grants of up to $2500 will be made available to venues to host live music performances as part of the Fringe’s “Fringe It Live” program.

Jo O'Callaghan, Adelaide Fringe Executive Director shared “Music is a huge part of the Adelaide Fringe each year, and this year is no exception with music shows making up 22% of the program.

“We know that in the Fringe context these grants will encourage more venues and more artists to use the Fringe platform and put their shows in front of our vast audience of one in every two South Australians, which will have year-long impact on those who participate, and assist in building a sustainable music scene for SA.”

In addition, successful venues will be provided with free access to business support services through the Office for Small and Family Business.

As part of the SA Government’s $14 million Small Business Strategy released last year, a number of resources are available designed to support business owners to successfully run and grow their businesses.

In recognition of how challenging the past few years have been for the industry, the state government will provide a free workshop on business fundamentals, a one-on-one consultation to assess their businesses needs along with an opportunity to secure a mentor.

The grants program is open with more information at www.seeitlive.sa.gov.au

Image. Live local Adelaide band Wanderers. Credit: City of Adelaide