Photo Credit: Danny Howe
Between rising insurance costs, climate impacts, and reduced consumer spending, Australia’s festival circuit is suffering even more than those worldwide. But the Australian Greens have announced a $20 million (12.8 million USD) annual Festival Support Package designed to strengthen and stabilize the country’s live events sector.
Greens’ spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young officially launched the plan over the weekend at Bluesfest Byron Bay alongside local candidate Mandy Nolan and Bluesfest Director Peter Noble. The announcement went public late Friday night, ahead of the policy launch the following day at the festival.
“Our festivals are in crisis,” said Senator Hanson-Young. “Over the past few years, we’ve seen the cancellation after cancellation of loved and iconic festivals. It’s clear that the government needs to step in to help the industry.”
“A plan for the arts is nothing without the funding required to support the industry,” Senator Hanson-Young explained. “The Greens’ plan for supporting our festivals takes a holistic view of what the sector needs. That means direct support in the form of grants, a review of the market failure in insurance for live events, a federal strategy for sustainability, and tax offsets for both venues and artists.”
She stressed that festivals play a critical role in the development of Australian talent and the live music ecosystem worldwide.
The announcement is well timed, as numerous high-profile live events have been cancelled in recent years, many of which take place in Australia, including Falls Festival and Splendour in the Grass. Smaller regional festivals face even more insurmountable issues with logistics and financial barriers.
“Festivals matter,” said Hanson-Young. “They inject money and enthusiasm into our local communities from the cities to the regions. I’m excited to be making this announcement at Bluesfest, an iconic Australian festival and a great example of how investment in the arts drive local, regional economies.”
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$20 Million AUD (12.8 Million USD) Festival Support Initiative Proposed As Insurance Rates Skyrocket – Digital Music News
