NEARLY $1 MILLION GOVERNMENT BOOST TO SA’S LIVE MUSIC VENUES ANNOUNCED

Nearly $1 million will be injected into South Australia’s live music scene through the state’s See it LIVE program, the SA government announced this morning. The funding is designed to provide a much-needed boost to dedicated independent live music venues in SA and create further employment opportunities for local musicians, lighting technicians and sound engineers. 

Through this initiative, the government will allocate $850,000 in new grants, allowing eligible venues to apply for up to $60,000. The focus is on original content, aiming to attract patrons and bolster South Australia’s vibrant music scene. To qualify for these grants, venues must be dedicated to hosting live music regularly, have a permanent stage and make live music a significant part of their operations. 

The decision comes as Adelaide has seen a string of venue closures across the CBD and suburbs, including metal music institution Enigma Bar and North Terrace nightspot Fat Controller, who both cited cost-of-living constraints and its impact on the industry as their reason for folding. 

 “We know how challenging the past few years have been for our live music industry,” says Minister of Arts Andrea Michaels. “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.” 

MusicSA CEO Christine Schlothe agrees that “times have never been tougher for independent live music venues and artists than what they are right now”, particularly 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,” she continues.  

Grace Emily Hotel owner Symon Jarowyi welcomes this move from the government, stating grants such as these “acknowledge the importance of grassroots venues, as well as the broader musical ecosystem, including skilled support personnel, such as sound and technical staff.” 

“This kind of support demonstrates why Adelaide was chosen for its UNESCO City of Music status,” he continues. 

Jarowyi is also part of the Independent Live Venues Alliance (ILVA) in South Australia, a nation-first initiative dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for the crucial role grassroots venues play in creating a healthy music ecosystem and, more broadly, the continuation of live, original music in the state. Together with the Grace Emily, the ILVA collective includes venues such as The Gov, Jive, The Wheaty, Broadcast Bar, Semaphore Workers Club and Murray Delta Juke Joint. 

In addition to the $850,000 grant established for live music venues in South Australia, the government will invest a further $50,000 to enhance live music experiences during the 2024 Adelaide Fringe, which takes place between February 16 and March 17. Under the ‘Fringe it Live’ program, venues can apply for grants of up to $2500 to host live music performances during the iconic festival. 

Successful venues will also receive free access to business support services through the Office for Small and Family Business. This initiative, part of the $14 million Small Business Strategy established last year, includes workshops on business fundamentals, one-on-one consultations and mentor opportunities. 

“Music is a huge part of the Adelaide Fringe each year, and this year is no exception, with music shows making up 22 percent of the program,” says Fringe Executive Director Jo O’Callaghan. “It’s great to see this support from the government specific to music.” 

“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 a year-long impact on those who participate and assist in building a sustainable music scene for SA.

The grants program opens today. More information can be found online here.

Cover image by Jack Fenby.