New non-profit launched to support Australia’s grassroots music venues
An organisation inspired by Music Venue Trust has been set up in Australia to help support independent venues and musicians.
Australia’s live music scene has gained a vital new ally with the launch of the Australian Music Venue Foundation (AMVF), a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting and sustaining grassroots music venues. Inspired by the UK’s Music Venue Trust, the AMVF will raise funds through donations and partnerships to ensure small venues can survive and thrive.
One of the key proposals under consideration is a levy on arena and stadium tickets, directing a portion of those funds towards grassroots venues. This idea aligns with recommendations from a recent Australian parliamentary inquiry into live music, which highlighted the importance of financial support for independent venues.
Tam Boakes, owner of Adelaide’s Jive Bar and a founding AMVF board member, explained the significance of the organisation: “I’m excited that the AMVF will give all venue owners and operators the opportunity to consolidate efforts on what their real needs are alongside additional industry bodies to make real change.”
The AMVF will also receive guidance from Mark Davyd, CEO of the Music Venue Trust, who has played a key role in supporting small venues across the UK. His expertise will help shape the foundation’s efforts to strengthen Australia’s independent music scene.
The launch of the AMVF comes at a crucial time. Recent festival cancellations, including Splendour in the Grass and Groovin the Moo, have highlighted financial pressures, rising costs, and unpredictable conditions in the industry. The parliamentary inquiry also recommended stronger protections for live music venues, including greater oversight of extreme dynamic pricing and industry monopolisation.
For independent musicians, grassroots venues are critical stepping stones to bigger opportunities. Supporting these spaces – by attending gigs, spreading the word, or backing initiatives like the AMVF – helps ensure a diverse and thriving live music scene.