LPA slams Federal Budget on lack of vision for live sector
As reported in TMN, the Federal government committed $30.9 million in new funding over four years for contemporary music in its Budget last night.
But Live Performance Australia (LPA), which represents the larger $2.5 billion live sector, says that while the government has done right by contemporary music, it’s failing to meet the needs of the wider live sector.
The Australian Music Industry package included new opportunities for live performance, regional touring, venue upgrades, women mentoring, indigenous recording and touring, music export and music education.
Arts minister Mitch Fifield pointed out, “This investment is about removing roadblocks for Australian musicians and boosting their profile in a competitive global market.
“The Morrison Government understands the enormous potential for growth in this dynamic sector and is delivering real-world measures to strengthen the diversity and reach of our music industry.”
The general response was that the government had been listening to the music industry’s grievances and concerns over its challenges.
Now LPA has responded, with chief executive Evelyn Richardson suggesting the government should have cast a wider net.
“This is a significant and well overdue investment in Australia’s live music industry and we are pleased to see the government recognise the economic and cultural importance of our music sector which is worth close to $1 billion locally plus cultural exports of $6 billion,” she said.
“However, we are disappointed that the Government has not done more to leverage the significant economic and cultural value of all live performance or the creative industries more broadly.
“It’s now some four years since the Catalyst fiasco and with the exception of the Live Music package, we have yet to see any meaningful policy initiatives or plan for the future.”
LPA put a number of proposals to the federal government in its Budget submission to support new Australian content, drive industry development and job creation for our $2.5 billion live performance industry.
“Each year more than 23 million people attend a live performance in our capital cities, regional centres and country towns.
“Live performance promotes Australian talent and creativity across a range of genres, and is a major driver of our visitor and night time economy, attracting visitors from interstate and overseas to see performances or attend festivals.
“It’s time for the Morrison Government to commit to a broader, bolder vision and some significant long term, strategic policy initiatives that support its future growth.”