The South Australian Government has announced a $3 million Live Music Support Package for live music businesses, including dedicated live music venues, event promoters, and professional touring artists and crew.

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have taken a heavy toll on the music industry, and this package has been designed to assist music businesses with the costs associated with preparing to host and deliver live music once borders reopen and restrictions are eased.

Funding will be available through two categories:

Category 1: Live music venues and event promoters – up to $300,000
Eligible dedicated live music venues and music industry event promoters may apply for funding through this competitive grant program to assist with costs associated with preparing to present live music activity.

To be eligible, businesses must be able to demonstrate a decline in income of more than 60 per cent compared to pre COVID-19, and that more than 65 per cent of their income is derived from live music activity.

Category 2: Professional Touring Artists and Crew – up to $50,000
Eligible South Australian based professional touring contemporary music artists and crew may apply for funding through this competitive grant program to assist with costs associated with the planning and preparation of new touring activity.

To be eligible, applicants must be able to demonstrate a decline in income of more than 60 per cent compared to pre COVID-19, and that more than 65 per cent of their income is derived from live music activity.

Download the guidelines.

Applications to both categories will be assessed against the eligibility criteria with input from a panel of industry representatives.

Key dates:

  • Applications open Friday 29 October 2021
  • Applications close Friday 19 November 2021
  • An Information Session will be held at 10.30am on Wednesday 3 November at the Jade, 142-160 Flinders Street. Register here to attend


For more information, please visit MDO Live Music Support Program – Music Development Office