Mixed reactions have greeted today's National Cultural Policy, with contemporary live music stakeholders hoping that the structural policy decisions will foster a better live music environment.

Unveiled by Federal Arts Minister Simon Crean at the Canberra Press Club earlier today, contemporary live music didn't feature as prominently as some stakeholders had hoped, but the first reactions of industry experts are hopeful that the structural framework set up by the NCP will serve the scene.

Live music campaigner John Wardle told theMusic.com.au today, “This isn't cash in hand for artists, but it's going to form a more nurturing environment for them in the future… what we've got is a long-term structural plan.”

He added, “I can understand the relentless cynicism from musicians, because they've been left out of the process for so long.”

The NCP, which is a 'ten-year vision', will account for $235 million in funding for the arts sector. $40 million of that will come from existing funding while $195 million is 'new money'.

One of the key funding areas is an overhaul of the Australia Council, who will receive an extra $75.3 million over four years. The Council will be re-structured next month, with an audit of programs to be undertaken of both the funding body and the Office For The Arts. It remains to be seen where that funding will trickle through to.

An investment of $2.4 million over four years has been provided to continue the work of the community radio service Australian Music Radio Airplay Project [AMRAP], which was almost abolished last year. The investment is re-instating the funds that were previously pulled by the Federal Government.

The NCP also re-announced contemporary music funding of $3 million over four years, including $1.75 for the funding of Sounds Australia to grow domestic and export markets. The $1.25 for contemporary music “career pathways” was also announced in 2012 and included today, although specifics of the initiatives are not yet known.

Ianto Ware's recent appointment as Sounds Australia's National Live Music Coordinator was another point included in today's announcement.

Wardle said of the re-announcements, “Whilst it was a previous arrangement, I think that its better that it commenced early. It's so important that work is underway.”

Ware himself praised the NCP for the identification that “planning and regulatory rules” can “present barriers” to live entertainment.

“This isn't just a live music issue,” he told theMusic today, “regulation impacts on what people can do in public space, how they can use buildings and presents extremely high barriers for ARIs, smaller music venues, rehearsal and studio spaces.

“It's great to see a recognition of these things within the National Cultural Policy,” he added, “as they have historically been seen only as a planning and local government issue. I'm hopeful this will produce a more cross-disciplinary approach to adapting regulatory frameworks to enhance opportunities for creative activity, rather than repress them.”

Denise Foley, Chairperson of the Australian Music Industry Network [AMIN] told theMusic they were please to see the policy appear, despite not receiving any new money to contemporary music directly.

“After a very long wait, it is fantastic to see the NCP finally being delivered,” she said. “It is fantastic to see that the NCP today has reinstated the funding to AMRAP a vital resource in the contemporary music scene. Whilst we can not see any new money for contemporary music directly we are looking forward to the offer from the Australia Council for the industry to be consulted in how their new allocation of $75.3M will be allocated.”

Yesterday criticism was voiced over the NCP's Creative Young Stars scheme, officially announced today, whereby members of parliament will be given $23,500 each to invest in local art initiatives. Amid fears that Idol-like talent quest competitions were being recommended, Minister Crean said today that it will reduce the gap between local art and sports funding, the latter of which already benefits from a similar arrangement.

Wardle said the handouts will see “elected representatives getting actively involved in the cultural aspects of the community. It's going to have a flow-on effect,” which he believes will help in identifying the plights of venues as well as encourage successful programs.

In a statement to theMusic the PPCA said, “Creative Australia National Cultural Policy covers a wide range of goals and pathway statements across a range of industries and disciplines. We are currently reviewing the document and will be able to comment on the NCP as a whole once we have completed that process.”

Other key points from the NCP include the fostering of music education in primary schools and $500,000 set aside annually for a 'crowd-funding' initiative that will see the government match funds raised.

Music industry bodies are expected to have a better understanding of what the funding areas mean for contemporary live music once the policy has been properly examined.

WILL IT LAST?

With an expect change of government this September, the question of will the Liberal Party keep the NCP beyond then was also raised today? At the announcement Crean indicated that he hoped it would provide a framework for the next ten years, particularly given it is all funded.

Earlier this month, however, his opposition number George Brandis stated they will be “bound by nothing” to keep it alive.

He told The Australian, “The opposition will feel bound by nothing in the national cultural policy if we are elected to government later this year,” he said.

You can view the full policy here.