“COOL Little Capital – ACT Action Plan” is the name of a report released today prepared by Music ACT and the Live Music Office.
Tabling 25 actions in a live music strategy to support music sector development in the Canberra Region, it found that although there are opportunities for musicians to perform, artists, event producers and venues face significant challenges from red tape and poor alignment of regulation.
Canberra, it says, has an established and growing live music sector and increasing cultural industries. The current groundswell in national and international media on Canberra’s live-ability and ‘cool’ factor highlights an increasingly vibrant local culture.
Issues identified through music sector consultation investigated include liquor licensing and liquor permits, zoning and planning controls, environmental protection regulations and associated noise levels, building code classification and change of use process, complicated events approval process, lack of medium-size live music venues, lack of support for live music in arts policy, the decrease in national/international touring acts and the long-term impact of the changes to the ANU School of Music.
MusicACT president Gavin Findlay says, “It’s well past time our planners, developers, regulators and policy makers recognised the vital role that live music and cultural events play.”
Live Music Office policy director John Wardle comments, “In many ways, the issues being faced by artists and venues in the ACT reflect those in other urban centres nationally. But with better regulation, and a better alignment of government agencies and processes the creative sector in the ACT will grow.”
‘Cool Little Capital’ is supported by two additional studies –’ Low Risk Arts and Cultural Venues – NSW Case Study for National Application’ and’ Live Music Venues and the Building Code of Australia Issues Paper.’
To read the report and supporting research visit musicact.com.au
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