Save our music venues: Local creatives band together to save Victoria’s music scene
Much-loved live music venues like the Northcote Social Club and Howler are pleading for the industry to be thrown a lifeline to save it from the brink of collapse. Here’s how you can help.
VIC News
Don't miss out on the headlines from VIC News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Victoria’s music industry has penned an open letter to the Victorian government, pleading for a lifeline amid the coronavirus crisis.
The Save Our Scene campaign launched this week in a bid to save the state’s beloved music venues which have been described as the “cornerstone” of Victoria’s identity.
In a heartfelt letter, organisers are asking for the government to “step in and save our proud music culture by preserving the venues where artists play.”
“Victoria’s famous music scene is on the brink of collapse and there’s no relief in sight,” the letter reads.
“From Victoria’s small clubs to our iconic band rooms, the places where you go to listen, dance, share and celebrate music will start to disappear.
“Stages that nurture emerging artists to those that house Australia’s and world’s biggest touring acts will go, and who knows what will replace them.”
The group is asking the government to work with Music Victoria to establish a “package of needs-based financial assistance” as well as a long-term road map and a fund for when reopening venues in allowed.
Liam Matthews, the co-owner of The Old Bar in Fitzroy, said the campaign was a way for venue owners to come together in a time of need.
“We’re just trying to be really united, stick together and voice the fact that we want the government to be really engaged and provide what Music Victoria are asking – a financial aid and a pathway to get back open,” he said.
He said it had been a “dire” time for the industry, who now face more than 12 months to rebuild.
“It’s pretty sad and the idea that it might not come back to the way it was, it’s a pretty disheartening feeling,” Mr Matthews said.
“Your Courtney Barnett’s — they start off as friends rehearsing, playing small venues and medium venues and then hopefully going out onto the world stage and representing Australia.”
More than 6,000 people have already signed the group’s petition lobbying the government for support.
Melbourne is home to some of the country’s most iconic live music venues — big and small — and is known around the globe for its creative scene.
According to organisers, the city houses’s 112,000 music lovers every Saturday night — a bigger crowd than an AFL grand final.
Venues including the Prince Alfred Hotel, The Espy, The Torquay Hotel, Howler and the Northcote Social Club have all joined the campaign.
To see the full list of venues and add your signature, click here.
MORE NEWS:
HOW MELBOURNE’S BRAZEN GIRL GANGS OPERATE