Minister for Education and the Arts The Honourable John-Paul Langbroek
Crisafulli Boosts Queensland Live Music Venues
The Crisafulli Government is amping up live music across Queensland, providing more than $300,000 to 13 venues for upgrades and concerts.
The boost is part of the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to reinvigorate Queensland’s live-gig economy, after Labor was too busy marching to the beat of their own chaos and crisis to notice the growing challenges faced by the industry.
The financial support will be distributed through two separate funds and aims to tackle the challenges by boosting business viability and opportunities for artists.
The Live Music Venue Business Grants support small venues across the state, from The Presynct in Nambour to Otherwise Bar in Townsville, which received $24,000 to expand their stage and upgrade equipment.
The Growing Gigs Fund supports live music venues to offset performance fees and book more Queensland artists, including Woolloongabba’s The Cave Inn, utilising its funding to shine a spotlight on diverse, emerging, and established musicians.
Successful first round applicant, Mo’s Desert Clubhouse on the Gold Coast, will use its $25,000 Live Music Venue Business Grant to expand its facilities and trading hours to host additional events and performances.
It also received a further $10,000 as part of the Growing Gigs Fund to boost local opportunities for heavy music genres of metal, punk, and rock through its Death Valley Heavy Series.
Applications for Round Two of the Live Music Venue Business Grants and the Growing Gigs Fund are now open to eligible venues until 6 May 2025.
This round offers increased funding of up to $100,000 per venue, to employ more local artists, upgrade equipment and grow revenue streams.
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said live music was crucial to boost the economy and connect local communities right across our state.
“The Crisafulli Government is backing Queensland’s night-time economy and live music sector,” Minister Langbroek said.
“We’re responding to the industry’s current challenges, including increased operating costs, and changing audience trends.
“This investment of more than $300,000 will support vital venues and small businesses, and it ensures Queenslanders can experience incredible live and local music.
“I look forward to seeing the depth of home-grown talent showcased through this investment.
“The second round is now open for applications and will offer increased funding of up to $100,000 to support impactful changes.”
Night-Life Economy Commissioner John “JC” Collins AM said a thriving night-life economy is a crucial part of the State’s social and economic fabric.
“We know the damage the COVID epidemic and now the cost-of-living crisis have done to the live music scene, and despite the best efforts of the whole sector, it is still a struggle for many venues,” Mr Collins said.
“These grants will be the difference between the sound of music or the sound of silence for them.
“The Queensland Government is to be commended on its support for live music and I urge any other eligible venues to apply for Round Two funding, which is now open for applications.”
Mo’s Desert Clubhouse director Kimberly Ferguson said the volatile music industry made it challenging to ensure business longevity.
“This funding provides security for staff and employees and allows us to continue to provide original live music and back local artists,” Ms Ferguson said.
https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/102292