QMusic has been working closely with the Queensland Government since mid-March to look at ways the government can support the state’s live music sector which has taken a severe hit since the onset of necessary COVID-19 restrictions.

The government’s recently announced $22.5 million Arts and Cultural Recovery Package incorporates this work and aims to activate live music venues by relieving cost pressures for venues with a track record of presenting original live music, and increase paid performance opportunities for local artists and musicians.

Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said Live Music Venue Support and Play Local, which opened on 3 July, support live music and performing arts venues to reopen and commence programming in line with the Palaszczuk Government’s Roadmap to easing COVID-19 restrictions.

“Live Music Venue Support grants will be available for live music venues, with smaller venues able to access up to $15,000 and larger venues up to $25,000, to assist in offsetting the cost of reopening and showcasing Queensland’s incredible music talent while restrictions are in place,” Minister Enoch said.

“Play Local will support live music and performing arts venues to program Queensland artists and performing arts organisations, with grants of up to $20,000 to support the employment of independent artists, organisations and arts workers.”

QMusic CEO Angela Samut said: “Over the last three months, we have been working with the Queensland Government advocating the essential nature and value of live music that provides economic, social and community benefits that flow on to other industries including tourism and hospitality.

“Live music venues are critical to the survival and sustainability of our industry and for supporting the livelihoods of Queensland artists, technicians and crew who rely on live performance for the majority of their income.

“It also gives a nod to the intrinsic value of experiencing live music which can enhance mental health and overall wellbeing for a community breaking down the walls of physical isolation,” Ms Samut said.

The $22.5 million Arts and Cultural Recovery Package follows the stART music grants QMusic delivered on behalf of the Queensland Government and Arts Queensland to musicians and music industry workers. The stART music grants support creative development and business activities focussed on future opportunities during the COVID recovery phase.

“QMusic will continue to work closely with the Queensland Government to get the live music industry back-to-business so that artists can play regular gigs and support a pipeline of new talent to help grow a thriving music industry,” said Ms Samut.

Join the Queensland Government for a Facebook Live information session to learn more about Live Music Venue Support and Play Local. Tuesday 7 July, 1.30pm – 2.00pm.

More information on Arts and Cultural Recovery Package funding programs and initiatives will be available on Arts Queensland’s website as they open.