NSW government outlines multi-million dollar spend on live music & night-time economy

The NSW government has committed serious money to encourage live music and the night-time economy in Sydney and through the state.

A one-off $1 million Music Now fund will support the presentation of contemporary acts and increase participation in live music events across the state.

There is also a three-month blitz on out-dated licence conditions.

There are 669 restrictions at the moment – including those which decide what kind of music can be played in a pub, how many musicians can be on a stage and how they should be facing the audience.

“There might be conditions remaining on some licences that no longer serve a purpose, so affected venues have the opportunity to have them removed, free of charge,” said minister for racing Paul Toole.

Arts minister Don Harwin stated: “Helping stage gigs, festivals and other music events in NSW will not only support a sustainable music sector but also help to contribute to a vibrant night-time economy.

“Whether it’s a one-off gig, outdoor event or series of club nights, we’re eager to enable more opportunities for contemporary music across our cities and state.

“I encourage venues, promoters and musicians to come forward to apply for this opportunity.”

A $1.5 million package to revive the night-time economy of Sydney and the state.

These include:

* The Activate Sydney@Night initiative provides a one-off $500,000 grants program for seven Sydney precincts to help individuals and organisations run street festivals, events, arts and entertainment.

* The seven are Darlinghurst, Haymarket and George Street, Parramatta, Liverpool, Newtown, Opera House to Walsh Bay and Pyrmont.

* These events have to run between 6pm and 6 am.

* A new type of pop-up liquor licence will be trialled in the seven precincts from March and “help diversify the social, cultural and business offerings in the night-time economy.”

* An expert advisory panel will be established to advise the government of ways to integrate liquor and planning approvals.

The panel will look at opportunities to remove duplication, reduce red tape and make it easier to start and grow licensed businesses in NSW.

* Experts will also look at ways to encourage more rooftop bars across Sydney.

* Grants of up to $100,000 per application are available for projects that will help activate a vibrant, diverse and dynamic night-time economy for the benefit of the local community and visitors.

* Funding is available to expand existing initiatives or seed funding for new initiatives that support the night-time-economy such as cultural or street-fairs, support for permanent or popup venue spaces, or coordinated programming of music, arts and entertainment.

* Funding is available for one-off events as well as a series of events delivered within 12 months of the receipt of funds.

Minister Toole added, “This funding could support the late-night opening of cultural institutions, including galleries and museums, pop-up venues and installations, along with food and drink options and community events.”

John Graham, the shadow minister for music and the night- time economy criticised the size of the funding, saying it only represented less than 20% of Victoria’s spend.