Canberra band Tonk played their final gig at The Basement to a 75 per cent capacity crowd on 10 April. Photo: Nick Brightman, NickB Photography.
A total of 23 live music and performance venues across Canberra will share in almost $800,000 in grants through the ACT Government’s Amp It Up! fund, with a number receiving more than $50,000.
The Amp It Up! fund was developed to assist small to medium-sized live venues to recover after the impacts of COVID-19, grow opportunities for local musicians and other performance artists to get back on stage and give Canberrans some great live entertainment options throughout 2021.
A range of popular local venues across the city were successful under the program, including Smith’s Alternative in the city, a stalwart of the sector and a champion for new and emerging artists, The Basement in Belconnen and Live at the Polo in Turner.
The Government said that due to the high level of interest, it boosted the amount of funding available to support as many venues as possible.
Minister for Business and Better Regulation Tara Cheyne said the program would distribute $790,747 to 23 live venues, supporting a range of gigs and performances from now to 30 November 2021.
“I’m ecstatic to be able to announce that 23 live entertainment venues across the ACT will share in nearly $800,000 to help support local gigs and get our night-time economy going again,” she said.
“Amp It Up! was well-received by the local music industry, and I know venues worked extremely hard on their applications to develop a forward program of gigs that the Canberra and visiting audiences can get excited about.
“Live music and performance venues are an important part of Canberra’s night-time economy and the character of our city. I look forward to seeing a diverse program of music and other live performances around Canberra as part of this initiative.”
Venues were able to apply for a grant through the Amp It Up! fund to meet up to 100 per cent of their expected costs between 1 June 2021 and 30 November 2021 for engaging artists and technicians and up to 50 per cent of their marketing and promotion costs.
Music ACT Director Daniel Ballantyne said the funding threw a lifeline to the ACT’s musicians and crew.
“Thanks to ACT Government Amp it Up! funding our precious live music venues will help ignite our night-time economy,” he said.
“They will deliver fantastic new shows for hungry audiences, and most importantly Amp It Up! will provide much needed income for musicians and crew.”
He called on people to support the venues and enjoy a live show.
| Recipient (or Venue) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ainslie + Gorman Arts Centres | $35,436 |
| Belconnen Bowls Club | $15,730 |
| Blackbird | $57,023 |
| Canberra Highland Society and Burns Club | $26,161 |
| Capital Brewing Company | $37,448 |
| Gang Gang Café and Bar | $57,166 |
| Harmonie German Club | $28,008 |
| Hippo Bar | $23,476 |
| King O’Malley’s | $21,457 |
| Live at the Polo | $57,003 |
| Molly Bar | $28,775 |
| Old Canberra Inn | $26,041 |
| Rose Cottage | $16,138 |
| Sideway | $57,550 |
| Smith’s Alternative | $57,550 |
| The Basement | $57,550 |
| The Boardwalk Bar and Nightclub | $18,200 |
| The Civic Pub | $8,824 |
| The Front | $25,938 |
| The RUC | $14,153 |
| The Street Theatre | $40,261 |
| Transit Bar | $57,550 |
| UC Live | $23,308 |
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