Contemporary music sector responds to Tasmanian budget [exclusive]

According to the Tasmanian government’s budget papers, the creative industries contributed $66 million to the state’s economy in the past financial year.

Yet the arts and live performance were only allocated about $15 million in the state budget – and there was no vision for the growth of its contemporary music sector.

“What this budget shows is a lack of recognition that Tasmania’s creative organisations and artists make a vital contribution to Tasmania’s economy and reputation as a cultural playground,” says Music Tasmania’s CEO Laura Harper.

“With a substantial and growing millennial population in Tasmania looking to engage with experiential events like performances and festivals, record levels of tourism, a year-round schedule of live music events throughout the state,

“Tasmania’s music industry has the potential to thrive over the next three years.”

About $8 million was allocated to Arts Industry Development in 2019-20 – the total in the budget to develop Tasmanian arts organisations and individual artists working in the state.

There was extra money for the development of The Hedberg, a creative industries and performing arts precinct in Hobart.

The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, continued to receive $2 million per year.

Ten Days on the Island festival again got $1.3 million a year.

Northern Tassie was a winner: the Mona Foma festival’s move to Launceston and multi-million dollar tourism draw was supported with $3.5 million over two years.

The Northern Tasmania Arts Organisations Initiative had a commitment of $100,000 to support regional artists through a grants program. More information through arts.tas.gov.au.

$200,000 went to the Tasmanian Theatre Fund.

Minister for the arts Elise Archer said, “This year’s budget is about maintaining the momentum and investing for growth, and we know that this is critical for our cultural and creative industries that have experienced a surge in activity in recent years.”

However, it didn’t seem to extend to contemporary music.

The Tasmanian music industry is booming, with Live Performance Australia reporting that contemporary music and festivals comprise 71.9% of revenue and 65.29% of attendance in Tasmania in 2017.

Yet the level of government investment in Music Tasmania is a small percentage compared to what states and territories in the rest of Australia put into peak music associations that grow their sectors through the development of skills, jobs and opportunities.

Harper points out, “Music Tasmania’s two-year funding agreement with the state government finishes this year and we need to re-apply for funding through a competitive grants process, along with other Tasmanian arts organisations.

“There is no certainty about the future viability of Music Tasmania.

“If Tasmania wants to continue to see tangible benefits from this music boom, the government must start investing in the music sector and recognise the cultural, economic, and social value of our unique soundtrack.”