Max SteventonMore than 100 music venues and festivals in Australia will receive federal funding from the government to help keep them afloat.
The funding is part of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Alabanese’s Revive Live program and comes in the wake of several live event cancellations and closures in the country. The funding will be distributed to 59 music festivals and 46 live music venues.
According to the Australian Government’s Office for the Arts, the scheme aims to provide AUD$25 million over the two year period of 2025-26. In a statement, it said it wants to create “a sustainable operating environment to increase performance opportunities, and the development and discoverability of original contemporary music by Australian artists.” It said the intention is to bolster inclusivity, including a commitment to improve career pathways for those with disabilities.
Notable recipients include Desert Harmony festival in the Northern Territory, which is receiving $100,000; Tasmania’s Party in the Paddock, which will receive $200,000; and Wildlands festival (pictured) in Brisbane, which is getting $244,000.
Revive Live was first announced as part of the 2024-25 budget and so far, according to the Office for the Arts, it has supported 217 live music businesses.
Minister for the arts Tony Burket said, “We understand the challenges contributing to cancellations and closures among the live music scene, that’s why the Albanese Labor Government established Revive Live, to provide targeted support.
“Venue and festival owners across Australia have told me that Revive Live has provided the support they need to continue hosting and promoting live music.”