Council agree to explore subsidised live music provided by local artists post COVID

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GREENS councillors have successfully moved an amendment to the Wollongong Council budget, to ensure that subsidies for live music are included as part of council’s stimulus package.

Wollongong City Council last night voted that the “City Centre Reactivation Fund” be used post COVID, to include a budget to stimulate the 5pm to midnight economy.

Wollongong Council will explore opportunities to subsidise arts and cultural events, in the CBD, especially live music provided by local musicians.

Greens councillor Mithra Cox said she is pleased that Council unanimously supported the proposal to include live music as part of the COVID recovery plan.

“Live music is a very effective stimulus, because the impacts are triple fold,” she said.

“Not only does in pay musicians who have been hit hard first by bushfires and now by the pandemic, but it also helps bars and cafes get back on their feet, and provides a compelling reason for people to come back to the CBD.”

Cr Cox said while the details are yet to be finalised, the Greens would like to see a model where venues book artists, and receive a wage subsidy from council for all gigs with no cover charge, where musicians are paid at or above the award.

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