SA pledges $1 million package for coronavirus-hit musicians and venues

South Australian musicians and venues hit hard by COVID-19 can apply for state government funding aimed at helping the sector survive.

A performance at The Gov, a popular venue in Hindmarsh.

A performance at The Gov, a popular venue in Hindmarsh. Source: Facebook/The Gov

South Australian artists, bands and live music venues hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic will receive state government support with a $1 million package.

The Music Development Office Project will help musicians who write and perform original music as well as local businesses who support those artists' development, delivery or production.

Grants up to $5,000 are available to artists while music businesses can apply for up to $20,000.

Applications will be assessed by an industry panel and successful candidates will be announced before the end of the financial year.

Innovation and Skills Minister David Pisoni on Saturday said the creative sector as a whole was important to the state's economy and social and cultural structure.

It contributes about $170 million and employs more than 2,300 people.

"We recognise the enormous economic challenges facing the live music industry," Mr Pisoni said.

"We're doing everything we can to ensure our talented acts and wonderful venues get through this period and emerge stronger."
Funding for this round is capped at $700,000 with the remaining $300,000 going towards an iconic Adelaide live music venue.

The Gov, which hosts international and national touring acts as well as local musicians, was facing closure due to the number of cancelled or postponed shows.

The venue's co-owner Melissa Tonkin said live music created shared experiences that brought people together and keeping venues and organisations alive during this difficult time guaranteed musicians a place to play in future.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.

Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.

The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store.

SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus.


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