Queensland Government announces extra $7 million in funding for live music industry

The Palaszczuk Government has promised Queensland’s embattled live music industry an extra $7 million in funding as part of the state’s 2021-22 Budget.

The sum, which comes as part of a $90 million investment into the state’s arts sector, will help to support the sustainability of music venues around the state between 2021 and 2022, allowing them to continue operating despite capacity restrictions due to the pandemic.

News of the funding comes just a week after QMusic’s plea for a lifeline from the State Government, warning that the live music industry was on the brink of collapse without additional financial support.

Minister for the arts Leanne Enoch said that the investment would assist Queensland’s music venues in their recovery and allow them to support local artists and audiences.

“The arts are key to delivering our plan for economic recovery, each year contributing $8.5 billion into the state’s economy and supporting more than 92,000 jobs for Queenslanders. That is why, through today’s Budget, we are continuing to provide vital support for the sector as the state continues to recover from the pandemic,” Enoch said.

“We have amped up investment to Queensland’s live music industry, which we know has been impacted by the pandemic, with an extra $7 million in 2021-22.

“This funding will ensure the live music sector can continue to support Queensland talent and help to connect artists, audiences and communities across the state.”

Newly appointed QMusic CEO Kris Stewart welcomed the government’s support, telling The Music Network that QMusic would be looking forward to seeing venue capacity restrictions eased in the future.

“The industry has been united in these calls for more support, and QMusic members and staff have done excellent work in raising the visibility to the government of our sector’s challenges,” Stewart said.

“We look forward to the continued easing of capacity restrictions, and Queensland musicians playing to fullhouses once again.”

Other highlights from the arts Budget include $13.125 million over four years for the Arts Infrastructure Investment Fund to support infrastructure and revive existing state-owned arts and cultural institutions, as well as $6 million over four years to assist regional arts delivery across Queensland through the Regional Arts Services Network.

Find out more about the state’s 2021-22 arts budget here.