The reactivation of live music across Australia is one step closer, with the Morrison Government announcing more than $608,000 in additional grants to be shared by 18 venues across the country, as part of round two of the $20 million Live Music Australia program.
This additional funding brings the Government's investment to more than $5.6 million under of the first year of the program, supporting more than 200 live music venues and the immediate recovery of the live music sector.
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the grants would provide critical support for the Australian live music industry.
"This program is assisting live music venues across the country to re-open and rebuild their capacity for programming activity once restrictions on public gatherings are lifted," Minister Fletcher said.
"The Morrison Government is pleased to continue to support local venues to increase performance opportunities and showcase Australian talent."
Co-Chief Executive Officer of Secret Sounds Group and Member of the Creative Economy Taskforce, Paul Piticco, said the funding would enable the sector to re-emerge from the devastating impacts of the pandemic.
"Home-grown live music is intrinsic to Australia's culture, which is why this funding is critical to the return of Australia's vibrant and much-loved creative sector," Mr Piticco said.
"This funding will support small to medium venues to develop partnerships, collaboration and networks across the Australian live music industry.
"Applications are also now open for Round 3 of the $20 million Live Music Australia Program until 9 August. This program will help more small to medium venues bring more live music to the stage for us all to enjoy."
The Morrison Government is investing more than $1 billion into the arts and creative sector through a diverse range of programs in 2021-22.
For the list of round two recipients and information on future rounds of the program, visit: www.grants.gov.au or www.arts.gov.au.
