COVID-19 QLD: Business, Non-Profits – Live Music Venue Support Program

This program aims to support Queensland-based live music venues with a track record in presenting original live music that have been significantly impacted by COVID-19. It forms part of the Queensland Government's Arts and Cultural Recovery Package of $22.5 million over two years to stabilise Queensland’s arts companies, secure employment for artists and arts workers and deliver COVID-safe cultural experiences for Queensland audiences.

The objectives of the program are to:
- Relieve immediate cost pressures for live music venues at a time that operation is curtailed.
- Support employment of venue staff, technical crew and artists.
- Ensure live music venues are in a strong position to safely resume full operations as and when restrictions are lifted.
- Support the current and future viability of Queensland’s live music venues.

Grants available are:
- Up to $15,000 for small venues (up to 499 pax).
- Up to $25,000 for large venues (over 500 pax).

Applications will be assessed on a first come, first serve basis.

Eligible applicants must:
- Be a business or organisation that is based in Queensland and that:
a) Meets the definition of a live music venue.
b) Can evidence regular original live music programming over the last 12 months.
- Have been operational for at least 12 months prior to application.
- Have been highly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated shutdown and restrictions.
- Be able to provide evidence of a substantial decrease in revenue relative to normal operating circumstances.
- Have an active Australian Business Number (ABN) that is in the name of the applicant.
- Have satisfied the reporting requirements of any previous Arts Queensland funding.
- Not be insolvent or have owners/directors that are an undischarged bankrupt.

For the purposes of this program, a live music venue is defined as a business whose primary function is to program or host live original music. The program is interested in supporting businesses that present work across the full genre range of contemporary music, including (but not limited to) rock, pop, punk, metal, hip-hop, jazz and indie.

Only application per registered ABN will be accepted.

Eligible activities are those that cover any business costs, including (but not limited to):
- Rent
- Utilities
- Staff costs (where not covered by other Queensland or Commonwealth Government financial assistance measures)
- Financial, legal or other professional costs to support sustainability
- Upgrades and adjustments (cleaning, security) necessary to operate within the current environment

Applicants are encouraged to explore how they might direct their activities to these specific target groups as well as to regional Queenslanders where appropriate:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
- People from a culturally and linguistically diverse background, including Australian South Sea Islanders
- Older people (over 55 years old)
- Young people
- People with disability

The main assessment criteria include:
- Availability of funding.
- Value for money.
- The eligibility requirements described in the Guidelines.

The following are ineligible for funding:
- Any costs incurred prior to the application outcome date.
- Venues for which programming of original live music is not their main activity.