Australian Music Venue Foundation launches

Live music industry figures in Australia have launched a new not-for-profit organisation to represent the interests of grassroots music venues (GMVs).

The Australian Music Venue Foundation (AMVF), which takes its inspiration from UK-based Music Venue Trust, launches on the back of the government’s recent “Am I Ever Going to See You Live Again” report, which outlined the significant issues facing the live industry in Australia.

The AMVF acknowledges the report’s 20 recommendations, which include the development of an arena ticket levy, addressing the debilitating costs of rising venue insurance and access to venue-specific funding programs. The foundation says it believes that funding to address these recommendations must work for, and be delivered by, the industry who are at the forefront of the issues.

The organisation’s remit will be to engage all sectors of the music industry to focus on the need to support GMVs which, the body claims, “provide an essential pathway for emerging local and international artists, deliver significant economic and cultural benefit, and offer affordable access to music-loving fans in both regional and metropolitan areas”.

Chair of the Australian Live Music Business Council, Howard Adams, says: “We intend to raise funds from donations, strategic partnerships and further explore the potential implementation of the recently proposed arena ticket levy.”

“It is a focused approach that reflects what is happening in this field in larger jurisdictions. By aligning ourselves with offshore organisations such as the MVT in the UK, we increase our impact in the market as part of a larger movement, whilst benefiting from the economies of scale.”

“I’m excited that the AMVF will give all venue owners and operators the opportunity to consolidate efforts on what their real needs are”

The board of the new organisation will be: Harley Evans (Moshtix & AFA), Howard Adams (Australian Live Music Business Council), Tamara Boakes (Jive Bar Owner/Operator & ILVA), Mardi Caught (The Annex).

Adelaide’s Jive Bar owner-operator Boakes comments, “There has been much discourse over recent years about the needs of grassroots venues and the necessity to focus on supporting them. I’m excited that the AMVF will give all venue owners and operators the opportunity to consolidate efforts on what their real needs are alongside additional industry bodies to make real change.”

Mark Davyd, founder & CEO of Music Venue Trust, who is acting as an adviser to the AMVF, adds: “Grassroots music venues across the world are facing a series of shared challenges, from rising costs and poor legislation, to creeping gentrification and the decline in touring.

“We have demonstrated in the UK that real, positive change for these vital cultural spaces is possible, and we are delighted to be supporting AMVF as it begins the journey of making that change for Australia’s grassroots music ecosystem.”

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