It's time to turn up the volume with the launch of the Live and Local project, a joint initiative to be delivered by Coffs Harbour City Council in partnership with the Live Music Office and APRA AMCOS.
Live and Local aims to increase live music opportunities and explore how to support local music sector development in Coffs Harbour in a way that is innovative, flexible and sustainable.
It will stimulate employment opportunities for musicians, particularly young, diverse and emerging, while supporting economic activities and developing cultural spaces for audiences.
Nikki Greenwood Council's Group Leader Community and Cultural Services said this will be a collective effort involving performers, venues, music teachers, event organisers, suppliers and venues that have never hosted live music before.
"We need to hear from the industry about what is working and what's not and what they would ideally like to see.
"We are already in the process of establishing a Coffs Live and Local Working Group to help steer all the activities including a Live Music Census, which will be open for input until September 10 2021. The call-out to be part of the Working Group closes on August 27 2021. The Working Group invites representatives from all areas of the live music scene."
Lucy Joseph from the Live Music Office said "the combined devastating impacts of the 2019/20 bushfires followed by COVID-19, mean it is now more crucial than ever that local governments play an important role in supporting the revival of Australia's live music industry, beginning at home in their grassroots communities.
"The Live Music Office applauds the proactive commitment of Coffs Harbour City Council to shape more supportive strategic policy through the delivery of paid performances and capacity building opportunities for local stakeholders."
Anyone who wants to get involved and has ideas about shaping the Coffs live music scene can find more information at Council's Have Your Say: Live and Local Project page https://haveyoursay.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/coffsliveandlocal
Pictured above:
Nana Glen Bale Out | and the trees photography
