Live music venues and artists will be encouraged to grow under a detailed five-step plan to support the industry in Ballarat.
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A strategic plan prepared by the City of Ballarat will aim to help musicians develop, innovate and collaborate to create a sustainable industry.
Music Victoria listed Ballarat as one of the top 10 live music destinations in the state earlier this week.
It was a significant approval for the city’s live music scene.
Budding blues and folk singer-songwriter Anna Oliphant Wright said the plan was about getting people involved in live music doing everything they can to make the most of opportunities to perform.
“You have to have the drive and passion to do it and a gig will find you,” she said.
“Certain venues are interested in certain styles, but there is a venue out there for everyone.”
The plan lists five key objectives to help support Ballarat’s live music scene including;
- Empowering musicians and venues to be sustainable
- Minimise regulatory burdens
- Embrace a diversity of ages, styles and genres
- Make Ballarat a regional destination for high quality events
- Use live music to create self-expression, personal development and well-being
Veteran Ballarat blues and jazz musician Mick Trembath said the plan would give artists the chance to perform in front of an audience.
“To be in a band is to be part of a small business – that is the reality of the industry,” he said.
“When you are touring all the time it is easy to get lost.”
Mr Trembath said council’s five-step plan would give musicians more support to return to in their home city.
Council’s plan includes the potential to hire a dedicated live music coordinator to oversee events.
It also lists updating council’s website with resources for musicians as a possibility.
The plan also said a live music precinct within the central business district, to avoid conflict between residential growth and venues, could be investigated.
However, this would not limit live music in Ballarat to one area either.
Music advisory committee member Cr Belinda Coates said the plan had engaged musicians to help empower them.
“We want to remove barriers to musicians,” she said.
