With Adelaide Fringe, WOMADelaide and SA Festival all reporting record-breaking figures in recent months, the state’s live music census has shown an impressive boost across the board.
Not only has live music in Adelaide the past year risen by 14.4%, there's also been an increase of 32.4% in regards to venues offering the entertainment, comparing activities in May 2015 and 2016 to avoid the festival spike.
Music SA general manager Lisa Bishop said the census backs up the on-the-ground feeling of progress to the state’s live industry.
“I’m not surprised by the results because I think the investment in streamlining live music regulation, massive gig initiatives like Umbrella Winter City Sounds, the City Council's Live Music Action Plan and UNESCO’s designation of Adelaide as a City of Music is all starting to pay off,” Bishop said.
“I want these figures to mean more music for audiences and more jobs for musicians – ultimately that's the measure we’re attempting to achieve.”
The financial benefits to the state are undeniable, with the last recorded figures noted by Arts Minister Jack Snelling in 2014 showing live music contributed $263.7 million to the state.
The State Government will next week release their 90-Day plan, which will see a strategic policy unveiled and regulatory reforms.
Meanwhile, Live Music Office is rallying for Development Regulations to be amended so that small bars can more easily host live music.
Adelaide’s Umbrella Winter City Sounds festival is currently underway, boasting more than 260 gigs across 63 venues.
