In a first for the Northern Territorys live music industry, MusicNT is set to benefit from $50,000 in funding to develop the inaugural NT Contemporary Live Music Strategy, which will provide the foundation and guide future support for the contemporary music sector in the Territory.
Minister for Tourism and Culture, Lauren Moss said the Territory Labor Government wanted to boost the creative industries that created jobs and contributed to the Territory lifestyle, and funding MusicNT for its first ever live music strategy supported that.
The boost will assist MusicNT establish a steering group, that will consult with all artists, music venues including clubs, pubs and markets, production companies , and to develop a discussion paper for the development of the strategy.
The funding coincides with the release of the report The Economic and Cultural Value of Live Music in the Northern Territory, confirming the Territorys higher than national average return on investment per spend on live music. The report shows the live music sector is worth over $74 million to the NT economy and provides a return on investment of over $4 for every $1 invested.
The NT has a robust and well-recognised contemporary music sector including Bass in the Grass, the National Indigenous Music Awards, NT Song of the Year Awards, the Battle of the School Bands, the Beat, Bush Bands Program and the Darwin Symphony Orchestra to high-profile international performances.
MusicNT Executive Director, Mark Smith, thanked the NT Government for the funding and said this is an opportunity to put in place initiatives that will fundamentally change the opportunity for both the Territory and the live music sector.
To read The Economic and Cultural Value of Live Music in the Northern Territory Report, visit: https://www.musicnt.com.au/advocacy/
As noted by Minister for Tourism and Culture, Lauren Moss
The NT has a robust and well-recognised contemporary music sector which is an important contributor to the social and cultural fabric of life in the Territory. The Economic and Cultural Value of Live Music in the Northern Territory Report not only recognises, but quantifies the important impact that live music makes to life in the Territory.
The live music industry is already a considerable economic driver in the Territory, delivering over $70 million each year back into the NT economy and it continues to provide jobs and opportunities to Territorians of all ages. The release of this report is a positive step to capitalise on this key industry.
MusicNT plays an important role in the Northern Territory arts ecology and I commend MusicNT for its commitment to the contemporary music sector in the Northern Territory.
We continue to invest heavily in the live music scene in the Territory, and I look forward to working with MusicNT and the NT Music Industry Council to deliver the Contemporary Live Music Strategy for the NT.
As noted by MusicNT Executive Director, Mark Smith
We are thrilled with this announcement of support for the first ever NT Live Music Strategy. This type of forward thinking commitment from government sets the foundation for a vibrant and significant NT music sector.
From the annual National Indigenous Music Awards, to high-profile international performances by key artists, to grass roots social cohesion and individual wellbeing, to a vital part of the Territory identity and everyday lifestyle, NT contemporary music impacts on all levels of society.
Were in a fantastic position to capitalise on our strong return on investment to live music, which is great for artists, the economy, and the community.
