Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton pictured with the Tourist Hotel Narrabri General Manager Geoff Artis and consultant Jon Welsh.
Narrabri’s live music scene is set to be reignited and expanded, with the Tourist Hotel receiving a $50,000 Federal Government grant to help bring live music to the region.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has today announced the funding under round three of the Live Music Australia program, which he said will provide much-needed support for the Tourist Hotel to rebuild, while also stimulating the economy and igniting excitement back into the Narrabri community.
“The hospitality and arts industries were two of the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic. 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.
“I’m so pleased to be able to support the Tourist Hotel with this funding which will be used to purchase a transportable stage to host live gigs and entertainment when restrictions allow.
“The stage will also be used to provide live music at various sporting and community events throughout the wider region, boosting tourism and the local economy, as well as providing performance opportunities for regional musicians.
“I congratulate the Tourist Hotel on taking the initiative to help rebuild its capacity as COVID-19 restrictions are eased, while supporting local performing artists.”
Tourist Hotel General Manager Geoff Artis said providing more live entertainment for the region has been a dream of the local venue and this grant will help turn this into reality.
“This grant means so much to our venue, and the ability to once again be able to support our local and regional performers is an amazing feeling,” Mr Artis said.
“There is nothing better than listening to live music, it can change the atmosphere of a venue in an instant and, importantly, brings people together. We look forward to creating that again at the Tourist for our patrons and our community to enjoy.
“Being able to showcase and support local and emerging artists in our region is a passion for the Tourist team – we have placed a lot of emphasis on creating an exceptional venue for both artists and patrons.
“Listening to live music puts everyone in a good mood. With the help of this funding, we look forward to seeing our community coming in through the doors of the Tourist Hotel to relax and enjoy live entertainment locally or attending events throughout the community.”
This funding brings the Government’s investment to more than $8 million since the start of the program, supporting more than 300 live music venues and the recovery and sustainability of the live music sector.
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the program will bring more original live Australian music to communities across the country – from pubs in the remote outback, to clubs in major capital cities.
“This funding will help the live music sector to re-emerge as Australians continue to get vaccinated and COVID-19 restrictions ease, allowing venues to begin to reopen and rebuild,” Minister Fletcher said.
“It is important that our live music sector will be primed to host performances and gigs when permitted to do so, and by supporting these local venues now, we are increasing opportunities to see Australian artists get back on stage.”
Applications for round four of the program will open later this year, with funding to support venues from mid-2022 as they continue to re-establish regular programming of original live Australian music.
The Morrison Government is investing more than $1 billion into the arts and creative sector in 2021-22.
For the list of round three recipients and for information on how to apply for round four, visit: www.grants.gov.au or www.arts.gov.au.
