Victoria’s live music scene contributes more than half a billion dollars to the state economy each year, according to a report released today by Premier and Minister for the Arts Ted Baillieu and Minister for Consumer Affairs Michael O’Brien.
The report, prepared for Arts Victoria by economic consulting firm Deloitte Access Economics, presents the first comprehensive assessment of the contribution that venue-based live music makes to Victoria – socially, culturally and economically.
The research, entitled The economic, social and cultural contribution of venue-based live music in Victoria, looked specifically at the impact of live music performance in pubs, bars, nightclubs, cafes and restaurants throughout Melbourne and Victoria, and included surveys of patrons, venues, performers and consultation with other industry stakeholders.
It found that the venue-based live music sector is a largely self-sustaining industry, that:
- Contributes around $500 million to the Victorian economy;
- Creates the equivalent of 17,200 full-time jobs;
- Provides almost 70% of live performance income for Victorian musicians; and
- Plays a crucial role in incubating talent and developing and establishing musicians’ careers.
Beyond the economic impact, the report shows that Victoria’s live music scene makes a positive contribution to the State in terms of improving quality of life, providing a safe and welcoming environment, encouraging individuality and expanding social circles – particularly among young people.
The report also supports Melbourne’s reputation as Australia’s live music heartland, boasting more live venues than any other Australian city and paints a picture of a robust live music scene that presents around 3,000 performances per week, an average of three nights a week per venue.
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