Total investment in support of live music venues and festivals now $25 million
The announcement comes just a week after 20 leading music organisations released Vote Music 2025
APRA AMCOS has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement of an additional $16.4 million for the Revive Live program. This brings the total investment to $25 million in support of live music venues and festivals that showcase Australian artists.
“This investment is a welcome and vital boost for Australian music. It recognises the role of live music and festivals not only as powerful cultural experiences, but as essential stages for discovering and showcasing the next generation of Australian artists,” says Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS.
"It builds on the momentum of last month’s federal budget, which made clear that music is not just a creative pursuit, it’s a national asset driving jobs, tourism, export and local communities. Strengthening access to stages and audiences across the country will help ensure more great Australian music is heard, valued and celebrated, at home and around the world.”
Revive Live provides targeted support to majority Australian-owned live music venues and contemporary music festivals, with a strong focus on improving accessibility and inclusion at events.
“This increased investment means there will be more chances for both emerging and established artists to get on stage, be discovered and connect with audiences right across the country,” adds Ormston.
“Since COVID hit, we’ve lost more than 1,300 live music stages across the country. That’s had a huge knock-on effect on artists, venues, production crews and the local economies and communities that rely on a vibrant music scene.
“This new funding is essential, but the data emerging from Revive Live will also demonstrate that we need structural reform to ensure the long-term viability of venues and festivals.
“This is the moment to look seriously at a broad based live music tax rebate, just like we support screen and digital games production. We need to give venues, festivals and events the confidence to take creative risks, back new artists and invest in the future of Australian music.”
The announcement comes just a week after 20 leading music organisations released Vote Music 2025, a united policy platform ahead of the federal election. It outlines the key steps government can take to ensure the future of Australian music through five action areas:
“Australian music is a global success story, but we need to build on that momentum with policy that supports creation, performance and export,” Ormston concludes.
“This announcement is another strong signal. Now let’s build the framework that takes Australian music to the next level, on stage, on screen, on platforms and on the world stage."