In partnership with the University of Tasmania, the Live Music Office’s new research program will develop a localised research framework to capture an accurate snapshot of live music activity throughout Australia. The program is currently running a consumer survey to investigate the extent to which live music makes a social and economic contribution to Australia.

Lead Researcher Dr David Carter from the University of Tasmania said, “In Australia, we don’t have a lot of reliable data on live music. There’s a lot of activity that flies under the radar and the economic and cultural value can be tricky to measure. This research will provide us with information about the real value Australians place on live music and will help project stakeholders, such as the Live Music Office, engage communities and policy makers more effectively.”

The Live Music Office aims to use the survey’s findings to demonstrate to Government and the community, the importance of live music to Australian culture and the economy. This will support evidence-based policy development for regulatory frameworks, determining arts funding priorities and strategic planning for the future of Australian live music.

City of Sydney Executive Manager Culture Rachel Healy said, “Inadequate data impedes evidence-based policy development. We need to better understand the breadth and impact of live music on a local level. We’re delighted to be working with the Live Music Office and other stakeholders to get a better understanding of the social, economic and cultural contribution live music makes to the vibrancy of our city.”

The ten-minute survey is open to anyone over the age of 18 and can be found at http://research.link.edu.au/641669.

This research is being undertaken in partnership with the University of Tasmania, City of Sydney Council, City of Melbourne Council, The Government of South Australia, and The Live Music Office.