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Melbourne, one of the world’s most liveable cities pre-COVID, has been struck hard by the pandemic – with some industries affected more than others.
A new study by RMIT University, titled Understanding Challenges to the Victorian Music Industry, commissioned by the Victorian Music Development Office and the Victorian office for Women, found that 58 per cent of respondents are considering leaving the industry. The study found that 74 per cent had seen their income decrease, while 57 per cent were worried about paying for basics, like rent and food.
Helen Marcou, an activist and advocate for the Victorian music community – recognised with an Order of Australia for her contribution to the arts – recalls the historic Live Music Rally on 23 February, 2010, attended by 20,000 supporters. The event was a catalyst for change in Victoria’s music policy, making it among the best in Australia. As a result, many musicians were drawn to Melbourne because of the city’s
Kasey Chambers and Bernard Fanning. Source: Wiki Commons.
The beleaguered music industry is calling on the federal government for targeted support in the final weeks before the JobKeeper wage subsidy ends.
Artists from Bernard Fanning to Midnight Oil and Sarah Blasko have jointly signed an open letter, along with more than 3,500 musicians, sole traders, venues and music businesses, who continue to struggle due to the ongoing effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
The letter, which has also been signed by Jenny Morris, the chair of the Australasian Performing Rights Association, calls for an industry-specific wage subsidy to be continued beyond March for those who work in music and live events.
Released today, the
Understanding Challenges to the Victorian Music Industry During COVID-19 report recorded responses from 292 workers in the music industry at the height of Melbourne’s second lockdown last year. The research was conducted by RMIT University for the Victorian Music Development Office and the Victorian Office for Women.
In the report, just under three quarters of respondents said their income had decreased, with 57% expressing concern about paying for basic necessities like rent and food. In addition to the more than half of respondents who were considering leaving the sector, 80% said their involvement in the industry would be different following the pandemic.