Support to host live Australian music

The Live Music Australia program is a competitive grants opportunity for live music venues, festivals and organisations that support quality original Australian live music.

How to apply

Guidelines and frequently asked questions will be available on the GrantConnect website.

When to apply

Funding applications for Round 7 are now open and will close on 17 October 2023.

This round focuses on supporting Australian music festivals.

Applicants should be notified about the outcome of the grant round approximately 12 weeks after the closing date.

Funding available

The Australian Government will provide a total of $20 million over four years for the Live Music Australia program.

About the program

Program background

The Australian Government’s National Cultural Policy Revive recognises the importance of the live music sector and is increasing the support for the music industry. 

Live Music Australia is designed to bring more live music to Australian communities and will fund applications that support quality original Australian live music that is professionally staged.

To learn more about what the Australian Government is doing to support Australian contemporary music, download Revive: A Place for Every Story, a Story for Every Place

Creative Australia administers a number of grant programs which support contemporary music projects, artists and organisations, including the Contemporary Music Touring Program which funds Australian musicians to perform their own work on tour in Australia, with a priority on regional and remote locations.

Music Australia has been established within Creative Australia to support and promote the Australian contemporary music industry to increase discoverability and develop markets and audiences. It will invest to stimulate a vibrant and sustainable music industry ecosystem in which artists can thrive.

Who can be funded?

To receive funding under Round 7 of the Live Music Australia program you will need to demonstrate your commitment to hosting a music focused festival that presents live performances of original music by predominantly Australian artists.

Multi-disciplinary arts or food festivals in which music is a secondary function are not eligible to apply. Festivals that use multiple venues in a geographical area are eligible to apply, as are festivals that occur for more than one weekend a year. 

What can be funded?

Funding is available for activities that support music festivals to be able to host more original Australian live music. Activities should be designed to enhance the quality of the audience’s experience by making it increasingly accessible to all patrons and delivering to more diverse audiences.

Funding is also available for new modes of practice and new approaches to the delivery of music festivals, encouraging long-term success and sustainability. Activities should be designed to bring dynamism to the contemporary live music sector, increase employment opportunities for artists and music industry professionals, and build cultural capital.

Applications to the program may include:

  • infrastructure upgrades, purchase of equipment, marketing and promotional expenses, and programming costs including artist fees
  • business and administration expenses related directly to the event
  • capacity building activities including professional development of venue or event staff.

Program documentation

Live Music Australia Round 7 program documentation including guidelines and frequently asked questions is available on the GrantConnect website. After you register simply click on 'Grant Opportunity' to be directed to the appropriate page.

Please make sure to read the program guidelines before making an application.

Contact

Contemporary Music Team
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
GPO Box 594
Canberra ACT 2601
Phone: 02 6271 1711
Email: music@arts.gov.au

Live Music Australia Grant Recipients