Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton met with Garden Hotel venue manager to discuss how the funding will improve their live music scene.
Dubbo’s live music scene is set to expand when the Garden Hotel Dubbo develops a sustainable live music venue base thanks to a $25,000 Commonwealth grant.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has today announced the funding under round one of the Live Music Australia program, which he said is designed to assist in the national recovery of the live music sector from the impacts of COVID-19.
“These grants will fund upgrades to venues and equipment to help pubs, clubs and theatres bring more home-grown live music to our communities as they reopen and recover from COVID-19,” Mr Coulton said.
“The Garden Hotel will use its funding for a power upgrade to develop a sustainable live music venue base, which in turn will increase performance opportunities for musicians in the region.
“I congratulate the Garden Hotel on taking the initiative to help rebuild its capacity as COVID-19 restrictions are eased, while supporting local performing artists.”
Garden Hotel venue manager Jordan Hislop said the funding was very welcome and will allow the pub to host more bands in the beer garden.
“We do have regular live music performances but the last couple of times we’ve had larger bands we’ve had to hire a generator,” she said.
“The power upgrade will mean we can host more large live bands which will increase our capacity.”
The Australian Government invests around $750 million in the arts and cultural sector each year through a diverse range of programs. This program is part of the $30.9 million Australian Music Industry Package, announced in March 2019.
The Live Music Australia program, announced in August last year, will deliver funding of $5 million annually over four years.
Mr Coulton encourages other small to medium-sized venues in the Parkes electorate to apply for round two funding, which is now open. Applications for round two will close on 18 February 2021.
The Garden Hotel is one of more than 100 venues across Australia to benefit from the first round of the Live Music Australia program. For the full list of round one recipients and information on how to apply for round two, visit: www.grants.gov.au or www.arts.gov.au
