Support announced for local music with Labor Government re-election
WA’s Labor Government has announced $2.75 million in funding for the state’s contemporary music industry, with a re-elected Cook Government.
The announcement includes $750,000 for West Australian Music (WAM) to promote live music, publicise gigs and prioritise audience development across the state in collaboration with RTRFM.
Owen Whittle, newly appointed WAM Chief Executive Officer welcomes the announcement and says the support will allow for deep and meaningful work to promote gigs and publicise local music.
“WAM will work tirelessly to connect more punters to gigs to support both venues and artists.”
The announcement also include $1.2m per annum for the Contemporary Music Fund, a grants program supporting local musicians which was due to expire in 2025; and $125,000 per annum for four years to support WAM’s flagship event – WA Music Week.
“The barriers for WA bands to tour the east coast and overseas can be prohibitively expensive and financially crippling; along with the support for professional development and creating music, [the Contemporary Music Fund] provides invaluable support and helps create and promote WA’s incredible music scene” says Whittle.
Owen joined Pam on Breakfast to discuss the announcement, RTRFM’s involvement and what’s next.