Live sector gets confidence boost from NSW’s fresh $85m funding

The music biz has applauded the NSW Government’s new $85 million funding to support performing arts and live music, saying it’s come at a “critical part” of rebooting the economy.

The state government’s extension of restrictions affected three major festivals in the past week.

NSW arts minister Ben Franklin said the new funds were to boost the confidence of artists, performers venues and promoters to schedule live events.

“As we continue to work through this current phase of the pandemic, the $80 million extension of the Performing Arts Relaunch package will support our wonderful performing arts and live music sector to continue to confidently return to the stage and deliver the vibrant, diverse and inspiring works we have missed so much,” he said on Tuesday.

The remaining $5 million goes to music industry charity Support Act to bridge the gap for those not eligible under other government funds.

Support Act’s chief executive Clive Miller said the money would ensure that those hardest hit will be able to access crisis relief through Support Act to help pay the rent, put food on the table, pay urgent medical bills and stay connected with family and community.

Live Performance Australia chief executive Evelyn Richardson backed the package.

“The arts and entertainment industry is a critical part of rebooting the economy which has once again been acknowledged by the NSW government,” Richardson said.

“This package will enable companies to keep shows on stage and people in work and provide much-needed business confidence to continue investing.

She emphasised how the live sector contributed $36.5 billion to the Australian economy in 2019, and its events were a key driver of many other sectors including hospitality, travel and tourism.

She warned, however, that the sector still faced issues as the pandemic continues.

“The impacts of Omicron are being felt across the country,” she said.

Richardson repeated her call for the commonwealth government to take action on a national insurance scheme and a skills and training package.

ARIA and PPCA chief executive Annabelle Herd agreed the funding was a confidence booster while also acknowledging the economic and cultural value of the live entertainment sector.

“This package will make a huge difference to artists across the state,” Herd said, hoping it would “allow us to begin the long road to rebuilding NSW’s live music scene”.

But she pointed out: “While this is a critical step forward for NSW, I encourage all levels of government to consider how further support may be provided to boost confidence in returning live music touring at a national level and help get musicians back to doing what they love for fans across the country.”

In the last week, NSW’s extension of COVID restrictions sent three festivals in a spin.

Good Times instantly cancelled, but plans to return to regional Tocumwal in March 2023.

This That confirmed its Sandstone Point show in Queensland on March 5 was going ahead, but Newcastle on February 26 was a wait-and-see scenario.

The national Full Tilt had to scrap its NSW show at Bella Vista Farm on February 26 while its Queensland and Victorian dates are continuing.

Promoter Chris O’Brien expressed his frustration, saying he had “zero confidence” in state governments as “they constantly backflip on restrictions” with no notice or industry consultation.

“Two years in and we still have no ability to trade as an industry on a national level,” he said.

“We have no grants coming in, no Job Keeper, no national insurance scheme so when the states do pull the rug from under us with no notice we are left high and dry.

“Where we thought there was light at the end of the tunnel late last year has very quickly evaporated and we sit here now with more uncertainty than ever before.

“They say it’s the darkest before dawn…well dawn feels like an eternity away”.

Applications for the Performing Arts Relaunch package are open to eligible venues, promoters and producers to relaunch performing arts activities.

For more information, including guidelines and to apply for funding, click here.