VENUE FACT SHEETS
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WHY SUPPORT ORIGINAL LIVE MUSIC?
For as long as music has existed, people have performed their music live and audiences have listened. But as society, and population density, has increased it has become harder and harder for venues to conform to restrictive rules and regulations — noise restrictions, safety requirements, licences and insurance. Even in this restrictive environment it is important that we keep enough venues open so that live music can thrive. Music is one of Australia’s most important cultural exports and it needs to continue to develop and grow. Although playing recorded music is more ‘hassle-free’ for a venue the experience of live original music of any genre can’t be replaced. Live music brings people together not only for enjoyment and social interaction but also for the appreciation of culture in action. This can be anything from a solo pianist to a rock band but it’s all music and it’s all about live performance. It’s also about building a community around the venue and the music and making it a place people want to come together. Vanishing Acts is a report that was commissioned by the Australia Council and the NSW Ministry of Arts. The report points to some key reasons for the importance of live music venues. These include: an artist’s ongoing connection with audiences and peers; live performance as crucial in the initial development of artists; an essential marketing device for artists either in seeking recording opportunities or in providing opportunities to market directly to audiences at their live performances; live performance as primary means of income — venue income is crucial to survival within semi-professional and professional contexts; skills development — musicians need to experience contact with audiences, and to acquire the skills of stagecraft necessary for survival in commercial contexts; contact with venues also provides musicians with grassroots training in business skills and creative strategies pertinent to long-term survival; precursor to export — the local live scene is widely regarded as an ‘incubator’ for artists seeking international success. There are currently a lot of fingers being pointed, and in many different directions, at reasons for the decrease in live music venues from poker machines to restrictive licences and laws. And while there are moves to look at the restrictive red tape we can still address the live music venue decrease by increasing knowledge of how to conduct business in the most successful and beneficial way for everyone. Musicians from all genres along with venues, audiences and communities can benefit from local live music venues. These venues provide the opportunity for musicians of all levels and genres to hone their skills in the right environment. The live music venue is the training ground where musicians undertake their apprenticeship and where they ready themselves for a career on a national and even international level. Australian artists who have moved into the international arena are well known for excellent live performance but they need this training ground to continue to keep one step ahead. Vanishing Acts Report |
