Australia’s live music ecosystem has scored a serious lifeline, more than 100 festivals and venues across the country have been approved for new funding under the Albanese Government’s Revive Live program.
The Revive Live program is a push designed to keep doors open, stages lit, and gigs accessible at a time when the industry is still battling cancellations, rising costs, and closures. The funding covers everything from performance costs to infrastructure upgrades, including improvements to accessibility for people with a disability. In total, 59 music festivals and 46 live music venues will share the support, with a strong emphasis on keeping events alive in regional and remote communities.
Major Festivals Among the Recipients
A handful of major Aussie festivals will receive significant boosts, Desert Harmony Festival in the Northern Territory and Victoria’s disability inclusive Ability Fest will each pick up $100,000. Wollongong favourite Yours & Owls has secured $250,000, while Tasmania’s returning staple Party in the Paddock receives $200,000.
On the venue side, WA’s Freo Social and Brisbane’s The Cave Inn are among those set to receive funding for production upgrades and essential equipment, the kind of behind the scenes costs that often decide whether a room can continue putting on shows.
“Much needed support” for a strained industry
Minister for the Arts Tony Burke said the funding arrives at a crucial moment for Australian live music.
“We understand the challenges contributing to cancellations and closures among the live music scene, that’s why the Albanese Labor Government established Revive Live, to provide targeted support,” he said.
Burke added that venue and festival operators have been clear about the program’s impact: “Revive Live has provided the support they need to continue hosting and promoting live music.”
For Burke, the program also ties back to personal experience, reflecting on gigs as a formative part of his own life.
“Music lovers should be able to enjoy local gigs, artists should be able to make a career out of their music and Revive Live is doing just that,” he said.
Strengthening the future of Australian music
The initiative builds on the broader Revive cultural policy, which last year established Music Australia within Creative Australia, backed by over $69 million to support Australian contemporary music, expand audiences, and boost artist discoverability.
The full list of festival and venue recipients is available via the government’s published breakdown here.
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