Supporting venues to host live Australian music

The Live Music Australia program is a competitive grants opportunity for small to medium sized venues that support quality original Australian live music.

It is acknowledged that the music industry is facing increased pressures in light of the severe impacts of COVID-19, and the program includes support for activities that assist live music venues to rebuild and become operational following the impacts of COVID-19 on the industry.

How it works

How to apply
The Live Music Australia program is focused on supporting small to medium venues that stage quality original Australian live music. Businesses can be located anywhere in Australia, including suburban, regional and remote regions.
When to apply
There are two funding rounds each year. Dates will be advertised on this page.
Funding available
The Australian Government will provide a total of $20 million over four years for the Live Music Australia program. There will be $2.5 million funding available in each round.

Program Information

funding tabs

About The Program

Funding applications for round three closed on 9 August 2021.

Round four is expected to open later in 2021 and guidelines will be available on the GrantConnect website. You can register for automatic notification of Grant Opportunities through the GrantConnect website.

Program background

The Live Music Australia program is part of the Australian Music Industry Package, announced on 30 March 2019. The program 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, with a focus on small to medium venues.

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.

Program guidelines

Documentation for the Live Music Australia program, including program guidelines and frequently asked questions, is available on the GrantConnect website.

COVID-19 update

The Australian music industry is facing particular pressures in light of the severe impacts of COVID-19. To support the industry at this time, the first and second year of Live Music Australia funding has been adapted to assist live music venues in the recovery phase.

During this time, the 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.

Contact

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

How to apply

Applications for funding in Round three have now closed. Round four is expected to open later in 2021. Guidelines and frequently asked questions will be available on the GrantConnect website, where you can also register for automatic notification of Grant Opportunities.

  • Visit the GrantConnect website to view the program guidelines and frequently asked questions. You will need to register and create a password to access the GrantConnect site.
  • Complete a SmartyGrants application form available through the APPLY NOW button below, or through the GrantConnect website. You will need to register and create a password to access the SmartyGrants site.
  • You can preview the application form prior to submitting an application.
  • You can save an incomplete application and come back to it at a later time, as long as you submit by the closing date. Incomplete applications left in SmartyGrants after the closing date will not be assessed.