This is according to Music Victoria’s Regional Live Music Census 2013 which was released in Ballarat this morning on the final day of the association’s membership drive.
“It will be a one-stop shop,” Music Victoria CEO Patrick Donovan explained to Beat. “If someone wants to do a regional tour, there’ll be someone who’ll know all the festivals, all the performance venues, the economies of scale – and put them on the right track.”
The Regional Live Music Census 2013 was compiled over the last six months by Music Victoria in collaboration with NMIT, RMIT, Box Hill Institute, Victoria University and JMC Academy. It found that the 3.8 million patrons attended small venues and festival gigs in regional areas, generating $61 million in ticket and door takings ($36 million for small venues and $25 million for festivals). 37% of venues reported an increase in patronage in the last 12 months, 17% reported a decrease and 46% estimated their patronage level as the same. Venues also reported a dip in attendance during the winter months.
“The report demonstrates the value of live music activity to the regional economy and its importance in job creation,” said author Dobe Newton. “Nevertheless, a significant number of operators are increasingly impacted by the regulatory system – just as are their counterparts in metro venues. A coordinated effort involving a wide range of stakeholders including regional artists and venues, industry and local government will help to ensure long-term health and growth.”
In the survey, regional venue operators were asked to comment on matters affecting their provision of live music performances, and make recommendations to improve their viability. Victorian artists, agents and promoters were also consulted.
Report recommendations also include:
The implementation on a Regional Live Music Plan with a dedicated regional live music office. Its primary purpose would be to act as a one-stop-shop to build relationships and liaise between musicians, venues and industry, including promoters and booking agents.
Encourage councils to develop their own tailored music action plan, based on Wollongong’s Live Music Action Plan.
Reduce red tape and liquor licensing fees to make it easier to host original live music.
Support regional all ages gigs based on new improved government conditions and reforms.
Host live music workshops to promote the Live Music Best Practice Guide.
Encourage independent mediation between venues and residents in the case of an amenity dispute.
Investigate opportunities for improved transport at night and maintain existing services.
Encourage the sector to pro-actively contribute to a comprehensive gig guide and encourage venues to routinely log their events.
Encourage the music sector to meet regularly at a live music venue to investigate issues facing the live music scene.
Investigate opportunities for improved transport at night and maintain existing services.
“Regional Victoria has a remarkable musical history, but the tyranny of distance, a lack of resources and the affordability of interstate air travel have conspired against it in recent years,” Donovan added in a statement. “As the state’s peak body for contemporary music, Music Victoria looks forward to working with the regional music sector, state and local government, Regional Arts Victoria, the Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centres and the National Live Music Office to work on strategies and build support networks to restore it to its former glories.
“These impressive figures finally prove that the regional live music industry makes a significant contribution to job creation and the regional economy, and therefore should be able to access the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund, rather than mere arts grants.”
The full report is available to download from musicvictoria.com.au.
