Live music venues and emerging artists to share in $30 million

His Spotify playlist may have been questionable, but Scott Morrison’s latest contribution to the Australian music scene has earned the thumbs-up from a Brisbane rock legend.

LIVE music venues will be spruced up with bigger speakers, better equipment and more artists under a $30 million pitch from the Morrison Government to woo younger voters and small business.

The pre-Budget cash splash will be announced at the iconic Triffid venue in Brisbane today.

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The package will include $22.5 million over four years in $10,000 grants for venues and artists to invest in equipment or infrastructure to establish or upgrade live music venues and schedule more performances.

Another $2.1 million will be set aside for mentoring women in music and $2.7 million to develop indigenous music, bands and tours.

The remaining cash will go towards promoting tours to regional areas and out into the emerging South-East Asian market.

Federal Arts Minister Mitch Fifield said the measures were designed to grow the music industry and help artists expand into international markets.

Triffid venue manager and former Powderfinger bass player John “JC” Collins said the $30 million live music funding is a positive step. Picture: AAP/David Clark

“Australia has a long history of bands – among the best in the world – cutting

their teeth in small live venues,” he said.

“Audiences across the country enjoy live music and this package will ensure that small venues can schedule more performances to meet that demand and provide the essential training ground for the next generation of great artists.”

The Triffid venue manager and former Powderfinger bass player John “JC” Collins said the funding would be a positive step for the music scene, especially emerging artists.

“If I was back in Powderfinger in the early days and someone gave us $10,000 towards new gear that would be worthwhile and valuable funds we just didn’t have back then,” he said.

Mr Collins said venues could benefit by using the funds to put on events for emerging artists, or get new equipment to expand.

“I’m not really political person, I just love music, playing music and music venues. Anything that helps create more bands, more venues or keeps venues alive will be a great thing.”

Senator Fifield said the local music industry contributed $6 billion to the economy each year.

“This investment is about removing roadblocks for Australian musicians and

boosting their profile in a competitive global market.”

Originally published as Live music venues and emerging artists to share in $30 million