Micro music festivals are set to take over regional New South Wales
Streets, parks and businesses in regional towns will come alive as part of a NSW Government initiative to take micro music festivals to the bush for the first time.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro today announced that Orange, Newcastle, Tenterfield, Tweed Shire, Wagga Wagga, Kempsey, Armidale and Mudgee will share $150,000 to host Live and Local events during 2017 and 2018.
“These events are a fantastic way of bringing local musicians, businesses and the regional communities together,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The Live and Local events, which could be held in shops, cafes or other public places will showcase local talent, and provide free family entertainment.
“There’s nothing quite like live music to bring people together and liven up their day.”
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said this is another example of the Government’s commitment to develop arts and culture across regional NSW.
“It’s fantastic that we are able to take this program to the bush to improve opportunities for the promotion of live music across our state,” Mr Harwin said.
“This is a great initiative where councils can offer local artists a platform to be heard. From school bands to rock bands, locals will be entertained by locals for free.
“After our events in Parramatta, Camden and Wollondilly dating back to last year, I’m delighted that we are able to widen the net to help grow live music in regional NSW.”
Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres revealed that a further five Western Sydney councils will be supported through the second year of funding.
“Liverpool, Cumberland, Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Campbelltown will all host micro music festivals following last year’s inaugural success,” Mr Ayres said.
“This initiative has been very popular with performers and communities, and we still have two events to come from the first year of funding at Blacktown and Fairfield.”
The funding is administered by Live Music Office on behalf of Create NSW and is used to cover the cost of fees for musicians, curators and technicians involved in the events.
