The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to support our live music industry to keep venues open and festivals entertaining fans across the country.

Through the Revive Live program, the Albanese Labor Government will provide support to 105 organisations across Australia, including in Newcastle.

The funding ensures music venues and festivals remain open and accessible to all audiences.

Among those receiving funding are:

• Howlin’ Country Festival, NSW: the Newcastle based festival will receive $177,357 for original Australian artist fees, production costs and to assist disability access and viewing.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the program is continuing to provide much-needed support at a particularly difficult time for the Australian live music industry.

“We understand the challenges contributing to cancellations and closures among the live music scene, that’s why the Albanese Labor Government established Revive Live, to provide targeted support.

“Venue and festival owners across Australia have told me that Revive Live has provided the support they need to continue hosting and promoting live music.

“Gigs have always been a huge part of my life. I know the vital role live music venues and festivals play in providing local artists with the chance to perform, develop and grow audiences.

“Music lovers should be able to enjoy local gigs, artists should be able to make a career out of their music and Revive Live is doing just that.

Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon MP said this announcement highlights the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to the arts and live music scene in our region.

“This grant from the Albanese Labor Government will further help cement Newcastle as a premier music and arts destination, and I’m thrilled to see more Novocastrians being able to enjoy live music.

“The funding will also give up and coming homegrown talent the chance to be showcased in front of a large audience, while also improving accessibility so artists and audiences with a disability can fully participate.

“I’m also particularly stoked that the grant will help Howlin’ Country have a dedicated youth zone allowing 16 and 17 year olds to attend without a guardian.”

Established in the 2024-25 Budget, Revive Live aligns with the Albanese Labor Government’s National Cultural Policy, Revive, which recognises the Australian music sector as a vibrant part of our arts and cultural landscape.

Through Revive, the Government last year established Music Australia within Creative Australia, with new funding of more than $69 million to support and promote the Australian contemporary music industry to increase discoverability and develop markets and audiences.

More information about Revive Live including successful applicants can be found here.