❓ The WA Government outlines its initiatives and funding programs to support live original music at licensed venues, including increases to the Contemporary Music Fund and collaborations with industry bodies. Some questions are redirected to other departments.
AnsweredQoN 366Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to live music at licensed venues in Western Australia, and I ask: (a) what specific initiatives or funding programs are currently in place to encourage licensed venues to host and facilitate live original music performances; (b) has the Department evaluated the effectiveness of these initiatives: (i) if yes, can you please share the results or findings of such evaluations; (c) what actions has the Department undertaken in the past 12 months to remove barriers or administrative burdens that may prevent licensed venues from hosting diverse cultural or live music performances; (d) has the Department identified specific regulatory or administrative challenges faced by venues hosting live original music, and how is the Department addressing these challenges; (e) could you outline the budget allocation specifically dedicated to facilitating the use and development of licensed facilities for live original music performance for this financial year ; and (f) are there grants or incentive schemes available to licensed venues that proactively promote live original music and diverse cultural events: (i) if yes, what are these grants or incentive schemes?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
17 September 2025
Responded by
Minister for Creative Industries
Response time
10 days
(a) The Cook Government is committed to supporting contemporary music, and in the 2025-26 State Budget delivered a $2.75 million boost to the local music industry to bolster the State's creative industries and help diversify WA's economy. The boost consisted of a $1.5 million increase to the existing $3 million Contemporary Music Fund over four years, bringing it to $1.125 million in competitive contemporary music grants per annum. The increased Contemporary Music Fund Development Program offers grants of up to $20,000 for professional and sector development, international, national, and regional touring/showcasing opportunities, recording and promotional activities.
The boost also includes $750,000 for West Australian Music (WAM) for the creation of a WA Gig Guide, and $500,000 for the delivery of WA Music Week.
Licensed venues can apply for funding via the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport (the Department)’s Arts Projects for Organisations program, which offers up to $80,000 for organisations to undertake a discreet project or a program of activities which includes live music performances.
(b) The Department has grant acquittal processes in line with the WA Grants Administration Guidelines 2025.
(i) Not Applicable
(c)-(d) The Department works closely with the live music industry and has made a submission to, and attended a public hearing for, the Australian Parliament Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts’ Inquiry into the Challenges and Opportunities within the Australian Live Music Industry, the results of which have recently been published.
The Department continues to work with the Office for the Arts, Music Australia and industry bodies such as WAM and the Australian Live Music Business Council to support live music.
(e) This is best directed to the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety.
(f)-(i) Venues can apply for funding through the Arts Projects for Organisations, which offers up to $80,000 for organisations to undertake a discreet project or a program of activities. Musicians and band managers can apply for funding through the Contemporary Music Fund Development Program which offers up to $20,000 to facilitate music festivals and gigs at music venues.
They can also apply for the Arts Short Notice Activity Program to support industry representations nationally and internationally. Musicians, bands, band managers and promotors can also apply to present or promote their music through the Art Projects for Individuals and Groups which offers up to $80,000 for a discreet project or a program of activities.
The boost also includes $750,000 for West Australian Music (WAM) for the creation of a WA Gig Guide, and $500,000 for the delivery of WA Music Week.
Licensed venues can apply for funding via the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport (the Department)’s Arts Projects for Organisations program, which offers up to $80,000 for organisations to undertake a discreet project or a program of activities which includes live music performances.
(b) The Department has grant acquittal processes in line with the WA Grants Administration Guidelines 2025.
(i) Not Applicable
(c)-(d) The Department works closely with the live music industry and has made a submission to, and attended a public hearing for, the Australian Parliament Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts’ Inquiry into the Challenges and Opportunities within the Australian Live Music Industry, the results of which have recently been published.
The Department continues to work with the Office for the Arts, Music Australia and industry bodies such as WAM and the Australian Live Music Business Council to support live music.
(e) This is best directed to the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety.
(f)-(i) Venues can apply for funding through the Arts Projects for Organisations, which offers up to $80,000 for organisations to undertake a discreet project or a program of activities. Musicians and band managers can apply for funding through the Contemporary Music Fund Development Program which offers up to $20,000 to facilitate music festivals and gigs at music venues.
They can also apply for the Arts Short Notice Activity Program to support industry representations nationally and internationally. Musicians, bands, band managers and promotors can also apply to present or promote their music through the Art Projects for Individuals and Groups which offers up to $80,000 for a discreet project or a program of activities.
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