The Morrison Government is supporting the return of live music, providing more than $2.5 million in industry funding, as part of round three of the Live Music Australia program.
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the program will bring more original live Australian music to communities across the country – from pubs in the remote outback, to clubs in major capital cities.

“This funding will help the live music sector to re-emerge as Australians continue to get vaccinated and COVID-19 restrictions ease, allowing venues to begin to reopen and rebuild,” Minister Fletcher said.

“It is important that our live music sector will be primed to host performances and gigs when permitted to do so, and by supporting these local venues now, we are increasing opportunities to see Australian artists get back on stage.”

Federal Member for Mallee, Anne Webster said the funding will provide much-needed support for the local live music scene to rebuild, while also stimulating the economy and a welcome spark back into the community.

“I’m pleased to announce that Arts Mildura Inc have received $53,590 for new sound equipment and will support a fortnightly Australian music program, through Round Three of the Live Music Australia Program,” Dr Webster said.

“This funding will help get the show on the road and encourage future touring to Mildura by original Australian artists.”

CEO/Artistic Director of Arts Mildura, Dean Worthington said the funding couldn’t have come at a more exciting or important time for Arts Mildura.

“Through our new Arts Mildura Hub in Langtree Avenue we will be able to provide the much needed access for the people of Mildura to live music and a whole range of arts events and experiences,” Mr Worthington said.

“The Arts Mildura Hub will help attract artists that haven’t previously considered touring to Mildura, as well as supporting our local artists with an affordable and accessible venue to perform in, combined with the support, guidance and networks that are needed for a career in music.

This funding brings the Government’s investment to more than $8 million since the start of the program,
supporting more than 300 live music venues across Australia and the recovery of the live music sector.

Applications for Round Four of the program will open later this year, with funding to support venues from mid-2022, as they continue to re-establish regular programming of original live Australian music.

The Morrison Government is investing more than $1 billion into the arts and creative sector in 2021-22.

For the list of Round Three recipients and for information on how to apply for Round Four, visit: www.grants.gov.au or www.arts.gov.au.