The program will provide $5 million annually over four years from 2020–21, through two rounds each year, with funding to be allocated through an open competitive grants process.

The first year of the new Live Music Australia program has been adapted to support recovery from COVID-19 so venues can host live home-grown music as soon as restrictions allow.

Grants of up to $100,000 are now available to assist small to medium venues, to support quality original Australian live music, staged by professionally operated venues.

Dedicated live music venues, pubs, clubs, bars, nightclubs, regional and remote venues underpin Australia’s vibrant live music scene. This funding will:

  • help venues as they prepare to reopen and rebuild their music programs as restrictions are lifted on public gatherings and live performance
  • support performance opportunities for original contemporary music by Australian artists, and
  • encourage partnerships, collaboration and networks across the Australian live music industry.

Support will be provided for projects that upgrade venue equipment or infrastructure, increase or diversify  programming, build capacity of staff, create venues that are safe and inclusive, or promote live music events. Applicants should demonstrate that funding will support predominantly original Australian live music, including but not limited to:

  • blues, country, electronic, experimental, folk, funk, hip hop, indie, jazz, metal, pop, rock and world music
  • performances by local and touring Australian musicians.

The program is part of the Government’s $30.9 million Australian Music Industry Package, announced in the 2019–20 Budget.

Applications are now open until 13 September 2020 and can be made through the Australian Government online grants system, SmartyGrants.

Pictured: Delia Obst at Superloop 2019.
? Luke Byrne