A New Music Festival for 2021 & RISE Grants Received | Music News

Australia’s live entertainment sector has welcomed the federal Government’s long-overdue rescue funds and its adoption of a roadmap for the rebirth of concerts.

On Friday, Federal Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts Paul Fletcher unveiled a plan for re-opening live entertainment, and confirmation of $60 million in grants that should “flow immediately” under the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund.

Drawn into Fletcher’s “Roadmap” is a relaxation for venues and events, that would allowed to operate at up to 75% capacity in states that have had 14 days with no new locally acquired Coronavirus cases.

Separately, the trade body welcomed the “adoption of a roadmap for live performance to return so we can reconnect audiences, performers and venues in a safe and sustainable way.”

Speaking at the Sydney costume workshop for the award-winning musical Hamilton, due to open next March at the Lyric Theatre, Fletcher revealed than $60 million of the $75 million RISE Fund had been allocated.

Grants of between $50,000 and almost $2 million were approved to 115 projects in support of arts and entertainment sector organisations that are trying to “restart, re-imagine or create new cultural and creative activities,” reads the 20th November update.

The pie is split with 71 percent of funding going to small-to-medium sized organisations, and 21 percent to those in regional spots.

Also, $34 million is earmarked for not-for-profits and $26 will be funneled to commercial operations and sole traders.

Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival organisers Secret Sounds Group have received a grant of over $1.5 million to launch a new music festival in 2021.

Details of the new event are yet to be revealed, with the Herald quoting the company’s co-chief executive Jessica Ducrou only as saying they were grateful to receive support for the “exciting innovative project [they] look forward to launching in 2021.”

Other organisations that have received financial assistance as part of the program include Bluesfest. Organisers of the Byron Bay festival were granted $1 million to assist in running the next iteration of their event across the Easter long weekend next year in a COVID-safe fashion.

The news arrives after both Splendour in the Grass and Falls were cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Splendour is set to return in July 2021 for its 20th year, with Gorillaz, The Strokes and Tyler, the Creator locked in as headliners.

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Homebrewed is a radio program and podcast dedicated to supporting the Australian Music Industry. Cameron Smith and Eamonn Snow have been presenting Homebrewed since November 2017 and have received excellence awards and the admiration of local bands for their presentation of Homebrewed and their continued support of the Australian music scene. This podcast is designed so you can enjoy conversations with musicians, industry representatives and music media personalities.