CUB pledges $100k, NSW Govt $2.3m, in live music venue grants

Carlton & United Breweries has announced it will be investing $100,000 into Australia’s live music scene as part of its LIV LOUD 2024 music activation. Similarly, the second round of the Live Performance Venue Accelerator program is currently open to applications up until next Monday 4 November.

As part of LIV LOUD 2024, CUB will provide cash grants to around 40 venues nationwide to help them support artists on off-peak days during Ausmusic month this November. Headlining artists will include Grinspoon, The Rubens, The Rions and ex-Red Wiggle Murray Cook.

“Venues use their grants from CUB to pay for putting on their shows - from paying the performers to hiring extra staff so punters can enjoy a great night out,” said Sarah Wilcox, Marketing Manager at CUB.

“LIV LOUD 2024 will drive foot traffic through the door on off-peak nights and support venues when they need it. Our first LIV LOUD program last year was so well-received we had to do it again and it’s terrific we can help Support Act as part of it.”

Forming part of the Office of the 24-Hour Commissioner’s plan to revitalise Sydney’s nightlife, The Live Performance Venue Accelerator program will also be providing grant funding to hospitality businesses in NSW. This funding will be provided to help contribute to the cost of live performance equipment and installation, and will range in value from $20,000 to $80,000.

In a recent interview with Drinks Trade, Director of the Inner West Ale Trail project Jacqui Stanton said “another program that came out of the Office of the 24-Hour Economy was the Live Music Venue Program [which was] similar to Uptown in that it was an accelerator program giving the skills to existing venues on how to become a live music venue.”

Michael Rodrigues, 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, added: “Live music has always been an essential part of night time culture and while the bad old days of lockouts and lockdowns are well and truly behind us, we’ve got a job to do when it comes to amping things up across NSW.

“This program will provide operators with the vital skills they need to re-establish live entertainment as a core part of their night time offer and it's a pleasure to work alongside our specialist music agency Sound NSW to deliver this initiative.”

In addition to the grants it will be providing to venues, CUB will also be directly donating funds to the charity Support Act to help fund their mission to deliver crisis relief, mental health programs and more for live music industry workers.

“We are delighted that CUB will be presenting its LIV LOUD program in support of Ausmusic T-Shirt Day and live music venues once again this year," said Clive Miller, Support Act’s CEO.

"Last year’s program was a fantastic success, bringing music events into venues across the country throughout November to celebrate Australian music and raise funds for Support Act. As our tagline says, Life’s better with Australian music and we thank CUB for their generous support for the campaign and for their help in keeping the music playing for everyone who works in Australian music.”

Artist Murray Cook added, “As someone who grew up in regional NSW, I am delighted that the initiative is taking music to regional areas. So get along to some shows, wear a band shirt for Ausmusic T-shirt Day and support Aussie Musicians through Support Act.”

To learn more about LIV LOUD 2024 or to purchase tickets, click here.

For venues interested in applying to the second round of the Live Performance Venue Accelerator program, visit the dedicated webpage here.