MusicNSW launching two initiatives to boost industry

Live music programs were the big winners of City of Sydney’s latest community and cultural grants, with MusicNSW awarded $80,000 for two new initiatives.

Sharing in the over $680,000 worth of cash and value in kind given out to 21 projects, the peak industry body have been given funding for an All-Ages Devolved Funding Program and a Live Music Alliance. 

With a $50,000 grant from City of Sydney, MusicNSW’s Devolved Funding Program aims to get more all-ages shows happening in Sydney to support the city’s venues, promoters and artists.

"It’s really about industry renewal, audience development and training audiences to turn up from a young age – ensuring Sydney’s live music scene has audiences who love and appreciate live music in years to come,” MusicNSW’s Executive Officer Emily Collins told TMN.

MusicNSW will administer funds to promoters, booking agents, venues and collectives on behalf of City of Sydney, offering small grants to applicants wanting to put on all-ages shows in Sydney. 

The other $30,000 in funding is for the establishment of the Live Music Alliance. Described as “a group of live music industry representatives working together for the support, enhancement and growth of Sydney’s live music industry”, the collective aims to strengthen Sydney’s live music industry.

The funding will cover project management and strategic planning. TMN understands the name of the Alliance may change. 

“MusicNSW is absolutely thrilled to receive funding for these two projects which focus on industry development from almost opposite ends of the industry - the existing experts and Sydney’s next generation of music fans,” Collins told TMN. 

“This funding exemplifies the City of Sydney’s commitment to supporting a healthy, diverse and financially sustainable music industry in NSW – and we’re excited to see Sydney’s audiences, artists and industry come together to show that Sydney is a thriving live music city," she added.

Another project to receive funding was created by the Music and Booze Company, owned by ex-Annandale Hotel owners Matt and Dan Rule. The two brothers were given a $28,000 grant from the City for their King Street Project, created to help boost the live music scene in Sydney’s inner west. The King Street Project is an addition to their King Street Crawl, which saw thousands fill bars and streets in Newtown last September. 

The Project will showcase live music and performance art involving more than 200 artists and performers in both traditional and non-traditional venues around Newtown and Erskineville. 

“The goal of the King Street Crawl was to create a new platform to showcase live music and the arts, and shine a light on the unique corner of Sydney that is Newtown,” said Matt. “The City of Sydney’s funding has enabled us to achieve this goal and extend the project into Enmore Road and Erskineville.

“As a result we will now be able to introduce more venues as part of the crawl – offering more spaces to showcase live music and attract more visitors.”

Other performance projects sharing in the over $680,000 worth of cash and value in kind include:

Newtown Entertainment Precinct’s independent arts festival Sydney Fringe Festival has been awarded $660,000 for the next three years, starting in 2017. It presents over 300 productions in over 50 venues across the City of Sydney every year.

Chippendale Creative Precinct has been given $75,000 over the next three years for this year’s BEAMS Arts Festival. Last year’s run, its fourth, saw over 25,000 patrons merge on Kensington Street for light exhibitions, installations, video, animation and live performances.

Ensemble Offspring’s Kontiki Racket festival in Redfern has been awarded $10,000 to celebrate new music. The festival will feature international and national performers and panel discussions. 

Sydney Improvised Music Association’s Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival was awarded $65,000 for the next three jazz festivals in Ultimo.

Glebe Chamber of Commerce was awarded $35,000 for Glebe Street Fair, which offers music, performance, talks, family activities, markets of artisan products and food each November. Over 70,000 people attended last year’s Fair. 

Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre’s Surry Hills Festival was awarded $75,000 over the next three years to run its showcase of live music, food, history, art installations, tours and workshops by local businesses and residents.

Wingdings & Things’ two-day live event Volumes 2016 in the Oxford Street precinct was given $10,000.

107 Projects Incorporated will be given $90,000 over three years for 107 Presents, an initiative which includes an accessible music technology workshop series and curated multi-arts experiences at 107 Projects in Redfern.

Intimate Spectacle Pty Ltd were given $20,000 for Performing the Present 1-4, its four short-form performance events at 107 Projects.