MusicSA is thrilled to announce the launch of Project: Music South East, a year-long regional live music activation program in South Australia’s Limestone Coast. The initiative aims to revitalise and enhance the live music scene in the Mount Gambier area, building on the successes of previous programs and forging new pathways for local and touring artists while developing key industry knowledge.
Through a partnership between MusicSA and the City of Mount Gambier, the initiative will address the erosion of regional live music activity caused by the pandemic and the current lack of state resourcing and prioritisation for regional engagement in South Australia. The project aims to increase the capacity of local venues for live music, connect local and touring artists with venues, drive audience development, and support the activation of a new music venue in Mount Gambier.
MusicSA will collaborate with the City of Mount Gambier, over seven local live music venues, and local and national artists and stakeholders over 12 months to rebuild a regional live music community supported by active venues and healthy audiences. MusicSA will leverage new relationships with event and festival stakeholders to further expand opportunities for venues in the Limestone Coast.
To achieve this, MusicSA will engage a dedicated Regional Venue Coordinator, who will work directly with the City of Mount Gambier and local venues to develop extended programs of original live music.
The Regional Venue Coordinator will enhance Mount Gambier’s music industry by working with local and state suppliers to deliver diverse live music performances, develop new business plans for local venues and bolster marketing and PR outcomes. They will also be responsible for working towards rebuilding regional touring networks by connecting with promoters and booking agents and engaging local and visiting audiences.
Christine Schloithe, CEO of MusicSA, said on the project;
“MusicSA can’t wait to work in partnership with the City of Mount Gambier on Project: Music South East. Regional South Australia has some incredible musicians and some terrific unique regional live music venues and this project is all about connecting artists, venues and audiences in the south east and supporting regional tourism through live music. We can’t wait to open up the live music touring corridor between Melbourne and Adelaide and re-establish viable touring through Mount Gambier.”
“Our recent 2024 Annual Survey highlighted the critical need for regional investment and support, and this project directly addresses those findings. We are committed to supporting local venues and artists through this initiative, fostering a vibrant and sustainable live music scene.”
City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin OAM said:
“As an important regional access point for cultural activity, the City of Mount Gambier is pleased to partner with MusicSA to assist local venues in our community to further enhance their capacity in the provision of live music performance.”
“The project aligns with industry recommendations from Council’s Live Music Roundtable and the community feedback received through the creation of the Mount Gambier 2035 community vision, particularly around further fostering city vibrancy, annual event calendars, and early evening economy development.”
“We look forward to showcasing Mount Gambier as a strategic contributor to regional touring routes between South Australia and Victoria.”
