Live music is returning to Ballarat, with RJM’s Wine Bar sharing in more than $2.5 million in grants announced through round three of the Live Music Australia program.
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the program will bring more original live Australian music to communities across the country – from pubs in the remote outback, to clubs in major capital cities.
“This funding will help the live music sector to re-emerge as Australians continue to get vaccinated and COVID-19 restrictions ease, allowing venues to begin to reopen and rebuild,” Minister Fletcher said.
“It is important that our live music sector will be primed to host performances and gigs when permitted to do so, and by supporting these local venues now, we are increasing opportunities to see Australian artists get back on stage.”
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said more than $828,000 in grants has been provided to arts organisations across Ballarat electorate since 2019.
“From the Ballarat International Foto Biennale to Brass and Bollywood Breakfast @Cresfest, arts organisations across the Ballarat electorate are showing incredible resilience and tenacity as we emerge from the pandemic,” Senator Henderson said.
“I am delighted that RJM Wine Bar has received $7,800 under round three of the Live Music Australia Program to courage local Australian live music acts to perform at the venue,” Senator Henderson said.
“This funding boost will make a real difference to RJM Wine Bar’s ability to recover and rebuild its business, as well make a significant contribution to Ballarat’s live music scene.”
“This funding brings the Morrison Government’s investment to more than $8 million since the start of the program, supporting more than 300 live music venues and the recovery and sustainability of the live music sector.”
Applications for round four of the program will open later this year, with funding to support venues from mid-2022 as they continue to re-establish regular programming of original live Australian music.
The Morrison Government is investing more than $1 billion into the arts and creative sector in 2021-22.
For round three recipients and information on applying for round four visit: www.grants.gov.au or www.arts.gov.au.
15 October 2021