More funding to get live Aussie music pumping across the country

Inner-city, suburban and regional music venues will all benefit from a share in $2.5 million under the latest round of the Australian Government’s Live Music Australia program.

Over the past 4 years, the program has delivered $20 million to live music venues, festivals and organisations in metro, regional and remote Australia – bringing more quality original Australian live music to eager audiences.

This round will see a further 60 projects receive grants, benefiting 74 live music venues in all states and territories.

The funding will support venues across the breadth of Australia’s live music sector, from capital city stalwarts like The Tote (Melbourne), The Townie (Sydney), The Brightside (Brisbane) and The Rosemount (Perth); to outer regional locales including the Twyford Theatre and Hall (Merimbula, NSW), Darwin Community Arts and Valentino Safe Co (Lilydale, Tasmania).

The grants will go towards a range of activities, including sound and lighting equipment upgrades, artists fees, staff training, marketing and production costs – setting the stage for bigger and better events that showcase the best of original Australian music.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the Albanese Labor Government recognised the importance of our live music scene. 

“It’s no secret the live music sector is facing real challenges right now, and more investment is needed.

“That’s why we recently announced $8.6 million in 2024-25 for the Revive Live program in the Federal Budget, to provide essential support to live music venues and festivals that showcase talented Australian bands and artists.

“Importantly, we’re also looking at ways to support the long-term sustainability of the sector, so more Australians get along to gigs and experience our world-class live music scene first hand, well into the future.” 

Through Revive, the National Cultural Policy, the Government established Music Australia to support and promote the Australian contemporary music industry. It will invest to stimulate a vibrant and sustainable music industry ecosystem in which artists can thrive.

To view all grant recipients, visit Live Music Australia | Office for the Arts.

Live Music Australia program – key statistics

  • Total funding delivered: $20 million
  • Number of projects funded: 534
  • Number of live music festivals supported in two targeted rounds: 73
  • Projects staged in approx. 664 venues and locations across all states and territories