Revitalising the local music scene

MusicSA is joining forces with the City of Mount Gambier to launch a new initiative – Project: Music South East, a year long regional live music activation program in the 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, including Homemade Jam, and forging new pathways for local and touring artists while developing key industry knowledge.

The partnership between MusicSA and the City of Mount Gambier 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 l ocal 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.

The newly minted collaboration will work across seven live venues with artists and other key stakeholders to rebuild a live music scene and community.

MusicSA will leverage new relationships with event and festival stakeholders to further expand opportunities for venues in this region.

The first course of action will be engaging 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 coordinator will be charged with enhancing and revitalising 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.

Working towards rebuilding regional touring networks by connecting with promoters and booking agents and engaging local and visiting audiences will also be part of the coordinator’s job description.

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 CEO Christine Schloithe said they were excited about the next 12 months and working with the City of Mount Gambier.

“MusicSA can’t wait to work in partnership with the City of Mount Gambier on Project: Music South East,” she said. “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 the city was an important regional access point for cultural activity and the city was looking forward to the MusicSA partnership.

“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,” Mayor Martin said.

“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.”