Northern Territory developing first contemporary live music strategy

The first Northern Territory contemporary live music strategy, is to be developed after the release of the report The Economic and Cultural Value of Live Music in the Northern Territory.

It confirmed that the Territory has a higher than national average return on investment per spend on live music.

The report shows the live music sector is worth over $74 million to the NT economy and provides a return on investment of over $4 for every $1 invested.

As a result, the Territory government has given peak music association MusicNT a grant of $50,000 to develop the inaugural NT Contemporary Live Music Strategy.

It will provide the foundation and guide future support for the contemporary music sector in the Territory.

Minister for tourism and culture, Lauren Moss said the Territory Labor government wanted to boost the creative industries that created jobs and contributed to the Territory lifestyle.

“The NT has a robust and well-recognised contemporary music sector which is an important contributor to the social and cultural fabric of life in the Territory,” the minister said.

“The Economic and Cultural Value of Live Music in the Northern Territory Report not only recognises but quantifies the important impact that live music makes to life in the Territory.

“The live music industry is already a considerable economic driver in the Territory, delivering over $70 million each year back into the NT economy and it continues to provide jobs and opportunities to Territorians of all ages.

“The release of this report is a positive step to capitalise on this key industry. “

The funding will allow MusicNT to establish a steering group, that will consult with all artists, music venues including clubs, pubs and markets, production companies, and to develop a discussion paper for the development of the strategy.

MusicNT Darwin-based executive director, Mark Smith said the robustness and significance of the NT music industry was reflected in events as the BASSINTHEGRASS festival, the National Indigenous Music Awards, NT Song of the Year awards, the Battle of the School Bands, the Beat, Bush Bands program and the Darwin Symphony Orchestra to high-profile international performances.

“We are thrilled with this announcement of support for the first ever NT live music strategy,” Smith said.

“This type of forward thinking commitment from government sets the foundation for a vibrant and significant NT music sector.

“From the annual National Indigenous Music Award, to high-profile international performances by key artists, to grassroots social cohesion and individual well-being, to a vital part of the Territory identity and everyday lifestyle, NT contemporary music impacts on all levels of society.

“We’re in a fantastic position to capitalise on our strong return on investment to live music, which is great for artists, the economy, and the community.”

To read The Economic and Cultural Value of Live Music in the Northern Territory Report, head here.