Live Music Set To Be A Bandemic In Tamborine
The Morrison Government is supporting the return of live music, with the Bearded Dragon at Tamborine sharing in more than $2.5 million, as part of 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.”
Federal Member Wright Scott Buchholz said the funding will provide much-needed support for local live music and help the venue to rebuild, while also stimulating the economy and igniting excitement back into our community.
“I’m pleased to announce that the Bearded Dragon has been successful through round three of the Live Music Australia Program,” Mr Buchholz said said.
“This critical funding of just over $49,000 will help the Bearded Dragon’s Bandemic program expand, providing further opportunities for bands, local crews and audiences alike in Tamborine.
“I am thrilled to see this funding flow locally, to support our local bands, aspiring live entertainers and local small businesses,” Mr Buchholz said.
Ms Monique Gregory, Venue Manager of the Bearded Dragon welcomed the funding.
“The team at Bearded Dragon are beyond thrilled to be able to further contribute to the Music industry that is ‘chomping at the bit’ to get back on stage, performing to crowds who are equally needing some light relief in this covid era. Tamborine in the heart of the Scenic Rim offers a perfect location for social distancing and the delivery of Safe and much needed Live Music Events.
“Our crew have been committed to Live Music over our 23 years and more recently our Bandemic programme that gave a lifeline to independent upcoming Australian local artists will certainly gain momentum now with this kick start funding and a big light to look towards as we come out of the tunnel.”
This funding brings the 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 the list of round three recipients and for information on how to apply for round four, visit: www.grants.gov.au or www.arts.gov.au.