Federal Government Adds $12.5 Million to Revive Live Funding

The federal government will commit a further $12.5 million to its Revive Live program in 2026-27, extending financial support for Australian live music venues, festivals, artists and industry workers. 

Applications for the next funding round will open on Monday, August 3rd, with grants available to established live music venues and festivals presenting activities from December 1st, 2026. 

The funding is intended to create more performance opportunities for Australian artists, support the presentation of original contemporary music, and improve the long term sustainability of the live music sector. 

Since its launch in the 2024-25 Budget, Revive Live has delivered $19.3 million to 221 live music businesses and events, including 121 festival-related projects and 100 live music venues. 

The program also prioritises projects that improve accessibility and audience participation, along with initiatives that create career pathways for musicians and music workers with disabilities.

Previous recipients include Sydney's Metro Theatre, which received $143,008 towards Australian artist fees and equipment upgrades. 

The Country Music Club of Boyup Brook in Western Australia received $65,000 for equipment and production costs associated with its live music weekend, while Woodford Folk Festival was awarded $150,000 to support Australian artist fees, production costs and accessibility upgrades for its 2025 event. 

Earlier this year, The Next Up Music Awards and Sounds Atlas event, a part of the Wollongong City Festival, received funding.

“Australians love live music. We all remember going to our first live gig. Live music has always been a huge part of my life,” Minister Burke said. 

“We know the industry is under pressure. The Government established Revive Live because we want Australians to be able to enjoy festivals and local gigs and we want artists to be able to make a career out of their music.”

For more information on the Revive Live funding guidelines and to apply, visit the website.