When Amyl and the Sniffers’ free show at Federation Square was abruptly cancelled on Friday night due to safety concerns, the band swiftly transformed disappointment into an act of generosity. They redirected their performance fee, distributing A$35,000 across the bars of seven grassroots music venues in Melbourne. This gesture was celebrated by many as a way of giving back to the spaces that had supported the band in their early days, while also offering much-needed relief to a struggling sector.
However, this act of kindness raises pertinent questions about the support, or lack thereof, for these vital cultural spaces. Why must musicians, rather than governments or communities, step in to provide the necessary support? The plight of grassroots venues in Australia is a pressing issue that demands attention.
The Struggles of Grassroots Venues
Independent music venues in Australia are facing unprecedented challenges. Over the past five years, the country has lost approximately 1,300 venues and stages. These venues have always operated on precarious margins, but rising inflation and exorbitant insurance costs have exacerbated their struggles. Additionally, changing audience behaviors have compounded these difficulties. More people are attending major events, often at the expense of smaller venues.
Moreover, audience drinking habits have shifted, posing an existential threat to venues that rely heavily on alcohol sales for revenue. Despite these significant market changes, many venues appear hesitant to adapt their business practices. James Young of Melbourne’s Cherry Bar recently lauded large arena tours for boosting drinking in CBD venues, highlighting the priorities of these spaces. Meanwhile, owners of The Tote and The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar have lamented the lack of government support, urging patrons to attend more shows.
Rethinking the Commercial Model
The traditional market-based model of alcohol sales subsidizing cultural activities like live performances is under scrutiny. While live music continues to attract audiences, the reliance on alcohol sales as a primary revenue stream is increasingly unsustainable. In contrast, northern Europe and France provide examples of nonprofit venues receiving operational subsidies from municipal governments, reducing dependence on alcohol sales.
These models are supported by strong public advocacy and have gained traction in the UK through the efforts of the UK Music Venue Trust. This organization has successfully lobbied for a big ticket levy to support grassroots venues and encouraged many to transition to nonprofit corporate structures, making them eligible for public funding and tax exemptions.
France’s Scene de Musiques Actuelles (Contemporary Music Venue) model promotes engagement with disadvantaged communities, enhancing accessibility and diversity in exchange for public subsidies.
Structural Reform for Sustainability
To ensure the sustainability of grassroots music venues, structural reforms are necessary. Transitioning to nonprofit structures, as seen with Lazy Thinking in Dulwich Hill, which is set to become a registered charity, can offer tax benefits and reduce financial burdens. Additionally, addressing the issue of venue ownership is crucial. High commercial rents and insecure tenures are recurring problems, as evidenced by The Curtin Hotel in Melbourne and The Crown & Anchor in Adelaide.
In the UK, Music Venue Properties operates as a community benefit society, purchasing freeholds to protect venues and offer long-term cultural leases. This model requires minimal regulation and has proven successful with some government support. Other initiatives, such as voluntary ticket levies in Germany and Wales, demonstrate the potential for community-led reforms in Australia.
Musicians at the Forefront
Amyl and the Sniffers’ act of generosity may have been unprecedented, but it was not entirely surprising. The band is renowned for their commitment to crowd safety, community spirit, and generosity towards fans. Yet, the question remains: should the responsibility of supporting grassroots venues fall on musicians?
The current arts and cultural ecosystem is chronically underfunded, placing undue pressure on musicians to bear the costs of their passion. A collaborative effort involving musicians, venues, governments, and industry stakeholders is essential to ensure that the ecosystem is valued not just for what happens at the bar, but for the cultural experiences it provides on stage.
The future of Australia’s grassroots music venues depends on recognizing their non-market roles and implementing thoughtful reforms to support their sustainability.
