Four South Australian music associations share in $315K

Four South Australian contemporary music associations will share in $315,000 as part of the South Australian Government’s inaugural grant for contemporary music organisations. The funding kicks in on January 1.

The four recipients were announced last night at the Fowler’s Live awards in Adelaide by the Premier and Arts Minister Jay Weatherill.

Peak music association MusicSA will receive $165,000 to build on its various initiatives to build up the state’s music scene, and “reinforce strategic relationships that will be beneficial to supporting the sector.” These include a comprehensive website, live showcases and a range of skills-developing courses and programs.

Five Four Entertainment, which was set up by Craig Lock and Ross Osmon, receives $40,000 for its projects. The funds are to support initiatives which Five Four has identified as “gaps” in the industry, like industry mentoring internships, national touring programs and media servicing of SA music. Five Four is already involved in  booking venues as Edinburgh Castle Hotel, Adelaide University Unibar and Jack Ruby, managing six acts, and running the Splendour In The Grass Adelaide-only Spin Off festival.

The City of Playford’s Northern Sound System will receive $60,000 for its initiatives, including N1 Records, tech courses for those wanting to get into radio and the live music industry, and studio time for aspiring rappers from the area.

Online radio station and creative hub Soundpond will receive $50,000.

The grant will be overseen by the Government’s ArtsSA, and was set up to help organisations that were using new business models to help the local sector grow.