Townsville’s Otherwise Bar chosen as recipient of State Government Live Music Venue Business Grants
A popular Townsville performance venue has grand plans to transform its space after scoring a $24,000 grant aimed at boosting the live music scene. SEE WHAT THEY HAVE PLANNED.
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Giving local bands a platform to hone their craft, and provide a space for music lovers is the main goal for Otherwise Bar.
They now have grand plans for upgrades after being selected as one of 12 venues across Queensland to receive funding from the state government’s Live Music Venue Business Grants scheme to support small venues.
With $24,000 to take their venue to the next level with an upgrade to a new stage and better “atmospheric” sound equipment, events manager Nathan Hurdle said it was great to see an investment into local music.
“It’s going to be very useful in growing our Open Mic Nights, as well as lowering the cost of entry for local bands and touring acts to visit the North Queensland region and see what talent we have,” he said.
Mr Hurdle said with the competitive nature of the live music venue scene and the struggles faced post-Covid, the funding was “critical” to ensure the future of the venue’s growth.
“It would be great to see this venue become a hub for national and international touring acts that are coming to the region and really show the rest of Australia what Townsville has to offer,” he said.”
Mr Hurdle said it was important for upcoming, local bands to know there would be a venue that can support them in their dreams of playing live music.
“The state of live music in Townsville is an extremely healthy scene and very supportive and positive,” he said.”
“It’s great to offer local bands the opportunity to take the stage in their hometown because otherwise, they would have to move to a capital city.”
Townsville MP Adam Baillie said live music is so important to Queensland and the economy.
“The night-time economy, late night economy is critical for a vibrant community, and it’s great to see live music supported in a place like Townsville.”
Applications for round two of the Live Music Venue Business Grants and the Growing Gigs Fund, to offset performance fees, are now open to eligible venues until 6 May 2025.
Round two round offers increased funding of up to $100,000 per venue, to employ more local artists, upgrade equipment and grow revenue streams.
More information can be found at https://www.arts.qld.gov.au/aq-funding/
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Originally published as Townsville’s Otherwise Bar chosen as recipient of State Government Live Music Venue Business Grants
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