NSW venues can now apply for COVID-safe gig hosting support

Applications are now open for the NSW Government’s Great Southern Nights initiative, which aims to bring 1,000 gigs to Sydney and regional NSW this November.

Music venues can now apply for support in hosting COVID-safe gigs, as part of the initiative which was originally announced in June as a lifeline for local artist and live music in the state.

NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said over 700 venues have already registered to be involved in the program.

“The response to Great Southern Nights has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Ayers. “It’s clear that this game-changing event will have a huge impact on many industries which is why we want 50 per cent of gigs to be in regional NSW and the other half in greater Sydney.”

“… we hope all of these [700 venues] and more apply to be in the program to showcase their area and local talent.”

To be eligible, venues must demonstrate a previous track record of hosting gigs and also submit their planned performers. Each venue can apply to host a maximum of four gigs with financial support from the government to deliver each.

“There’s no more authentic experience than celebrating Australian music in a country pub, local bar or beachfront club,” added Minister Ayer.

“This is what Great Southern Nights is all about – bringing people together in a safe way to enjoy our signature hospitality, awesome talent and the unique communities across Sydney and regional NSW.”

ARIA and Destination NSW are working together to deliver the initiative, in consultation with an industry steering committee comprised of representatives from APRA AMCOS, Live Music
Office, Music NSW, the Australian Hotels Association NSW, PPCA, Clubs NSW and the Australia Council for the Arts.

Great Southern Nights will culminate with the ARIA Awards in Sydney. More than 20 musicians and bands are already on the bill, including Jimmy Barnees, Tones And I, Birds of Tokyo, Thelma Plum, The Presets, Amy Shark and The Teskey Brothers.

“There are so many amazing live music venues and Australian artists that are ready to reconnect with music fans and bring entertainment back to the people,” said ARIA chief executive Dan Rosen.

“We’ve been busy curating a world-class program of headline shows, and now we need the enthusiasm and intel from local communities to push this program to a whole new level, celebrating the true breadth and depth of great Aussie music.”

Applications are open now and will close on Friday, August 14.

Venues can register as a COVID-Safe business here.