The first year of funding in 2020–21 includes support for activities that assist live music venues to become operational following the impacts of COVID-19 on the industry. During this time, the Live Music Australia program is focused on assisting live music venues to re-open and build or rebuild their capacity for programming activity as restrictions on public gatherings and live music performance are lifted.
Applications to the program may include:
- infrastructure upgrades
- purchase of equipment
- programming and promotional expenses
- and artist fees.
- OR initiatives that deliver to multiple venues and build capacity, for example, professional development programs, expanded regional touring circuits, and partnerships across venues or jurisdictions.
The grant program will run from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2024 with two funding rounds per year.
It is anticipated that most grants will be between $5,000 to $100,000, depending on the scope of the grant activity and its complexity. Grants for equipment and/or infrastructure will generally be no more than $25,000. Grants for other eligible activities will be a maximum of $100,000.
Projects funded by Round 1 must commence from November 2020.
The grant is open to the following entities:
- company incorporated in Australia
- a company incorporated by guarantee
- an incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust
- an incorporated association
- a partnership
- a not-for-profit organisation
- an Australian local government body
- an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and /or Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006.
Basically, this means it is open to Pubs, Clubs, Community/Village Halls, and other venues that already, OR CAN, provide Live Music performances.
Suggestions for Junee Community and Village Halls
The Junee Village and Community Halls may wish to consider applying, under the equipment and infrastructure portion of funding, for some basic AV equipment to help facilitate live music performances Suggested equipment could include;
- Audio Mixer — Minimum of 16 Channels
- Speakers — Minimum of two, one each side of stage. Maybe add extra speakers and a subwoofer
- Microphones — Mix of Corded and Wireless, including a couple of lapel mics
- Basic Stage Lights, including DMX Controller — even half a dozen stage lights can make an incredible difference to the professional atmosphere at an event
- Some assorted cables and adapters — to allow a number of devices and instruments to be connected
- Portable, inexpensive staging — for venues that don’t have a stage area
By having some of this basic equipment readily available and pre-installed will assist smaller bands, soloists and duos etc. Many of the bigger bands and performers may already have their own equipment, but if you have some basics they can hook into may help reduce costs and setup times.
ps: This AV equipment can also be used for other events including movie nights, workshops, presentations etc; especially if a projector and screen are added later.
Junee Community Network has a couple of budgets already prepared for a couple of similar projects, that can easily be adjusted to different venues needs. If you’re interested, please contact us so we can discuss various options.
Also, with the “programming and promotional expenses” segment, it might be worth looking at developing a small marketing booklet and website promoting the unique aspects of each of Junee Shires Community and Village halls. There are many bands and artists who are prepared to visit regional communities like Junee, especially when they can perform in an old country hall. [Likewise, there are many small theatrical groups who would love to perform at quaint regional venues — see our articles on Artstate Wagga Wagga 2020 and SALON 2020]
Then there is funding to actually pay for artists to perform live music at your venue, so in addition to hiring local, regional performers, you can look at getting bigger name acts from the larger cities, especially if you partner with other community halls from other NSW regional areas to create a ‘Tour Circuit’ through the Riverina-Murray region. Organisations like Eastern Riverina Arts, Western Riverina Arts, along with other members of Regional Arts NSW; as well as Country Music Association of Australia, Association of Artist Managers, Folk Alliance Australia, Music Australia, and Music NSW can help put you in contact with artists.
Apply for Live Music Australia funding
Applications close September 13, 2020