O’BRIEN HITS THE RIGHT NOTE WITH HALF A MILLION FOR LOCAL MUSIC
Ted O’Brien MP, Federal Member for Fairfax, has welcomed a boost to the live music scene on the Sunshine Coast, with half a million dollars of Federal funding.
“No one could have imagined that live music would fall victim to a worldwide pandemic,” Mr O’Brien said. “Sadly, the outbreak of COVID-19 has seen acts cancelled, audiences deprived of entertainment and musical talents starved of their usual livelihood.
“But the music is back, and Sunny Coast locals are in for a treat with two musical spectacles set to receive funding from the Government’s Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund.”
Eumundi’s ‘Offbeat Music Festival’ will receive $425,000 while Coolum promoter Red Chair has been allocated almost $100,000 for the COMPASS Project.
“The ‘Offbeat Music Festival’ will feature around 100 artists performing at a variety of venues across Eumundi, and people will love it,” said Mr O’Brien.
“The Offbeat Music Festival gives us the chance to come together as a community again and celebrate the diversity of artists and talent we hold so dear here in Eumundi,” said Offbeat Festival director Alice Jones.
“Over two events in 2021 and 2022, it will create employment for musicians, sound and staging crew, as well as hundreds of other roles and bring live music back to our town,”
Meanwhile, the COMPASS Project will comprise seven tours, featuring world, jazz, folk and classical music, at concert-style venues.
“With RISE funding we are establishing a new touring circuit that addresses the disruption to regional touring caused by the pandemic,” said Red Chair Director, Angela Dunbavan.
“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to deliver 35 concerts to regional audiences over the next 12 months and provide employment for up to 30 artists.”
The Federal Government has committed $25 million from the $200 million RISE fund, to support Australia’s creative and cultural sector to reactivate after the disruption caused by the pandemic.
“These events will not only assist local artists and please local crowds, but attract visitors to the Sunshine Coast,” said Ted O’Brien. “This means increased economic activity and money flowing on to bars, restaurants, accommodation providers, and other businesses, big and small.”
To watch the launch click HERE.