The South Australian Government’s $10 million investment in the live music scene is proving to be a hit with artists, creatives and venues, with more than 220 registrations and applications for e-vouchers, venue improvement and event grants received in a matter of days.

Since its launch on Sunday, there have been more than 5000-page views and more 3000 people have accessed information on the See it LIVE website.

The package, launched last weekend, features a suite of measures to help rejuvenate the sector which has struggled after suffering job losses and venue closures as a result of COVID-19.

See it LIVE delivers on another Malinauskas election commitment and includes a range of grants, a voucher scheme, mental health support programs, financing for venue upgrades, a live music advisory council, and an events cancellation fund to support the industry’s recovery.

Event applications are coming in from all over the state and reflect a variety of cultural and musical styles in different traditional and non-traditional settings including caravan parks, bowls and surf live saving clubs.

Applications are being registered for:

• Event Grants of between $5000 to $50,000 for SA-based promoters, organisations and businesses, to help meet costs.
• Venue Improvement Grants of up to $5000 each to help venues with upgrade to cater for live music performances.
• E-vouchers worth $400 each for venues to host live music.

To date there have been:

• 90 registrations for e-vouchers
• 76 applications for Venue Improvement Grants
• 55 applications for Event Grants (ranging from $5000 to $50,000)

Venue upgrade applications include requests for:

• New outdoor entertainment space
• Lighting and PA upgrades
• Creating under cover music space
• Multi-Use Projector & Sound Gear

For more See it LIVE program information visit https://business.sa.gov.au/live-music

Quotes

Attributable to Andrea Michaels

The huge early interest we are seeing shows the Malinauskas Labor Government’s plans to rebuild the live music sector resonates with artists and venues and that South Australians are eager to get back to enjoying live events and performances.

It’s outstanding to see the $10 million program being so strongly supported by an industry that has really struggled over the past two years as a result of COVID.

We’re determined to see this industry recover, rebuild and get our musicians back to doing what they do best. This industry is a huge supporter of jobs and small business right across our State, to get the scene back and booming will provide more work and a greater injection into our economy.