We’re proud to announce our Live and Local program, designed to showcase, support and celebrate the unique mix of local musicians and bands in our region.
Live and Local is a comprehensive capacity building program delivering professional development workshops, micro-music festivals and a local industry forum, presented by the City in partnership with the and .
As part of this exciting initiative, we are establishing a Music Industry Register of those working in the music industry, musicians and live music venues.
Whether you’re an emerging or established musician, the City invites you to so we can connect with you about live music activities, workshops and professional development opportunities, networking and collaborative opportunities and grants.
Live music venues or local business owners interested in programming music in the region are encouraged to join the City of Greater Geelong Live Music Venue.
A report on the Central Geelong Live Music Action Plan 2017-2022 details our work with the music community, local businesses, music industry, organisations and governments towards a more active, creative and sustainable live music culture.
When this plan was developed, the economic value of live music to our community was estimated to be at least $150 million a year.
Highlights during 2017-2022 include:
- City investment of more than $274,000 into the local music industry through the Community Grants program
- The City’s It’s Our Backyard: Outdoor Street Entertainment initiative in 2021-2022 saw 591 live street performances across the region
- We designed, supported and facilitated First Nations music mentorships in partnership with Songlines Music Aboriginal Corporation
- Pandemic support from the City included establishing parklets and alfresco areas for outdoor performances, and grant and professional development opportunities
- The City’s inaugural Surround Sounds Geelong and the Bellarine Music Festival 2022 showcased 840 artists and attracted an audience of more than 14,200 and
- Ten Geelong-based artists perform in online music festival Isol-Aid, racking up more than 18,000 global views.
Read the full report of the .
Resources to help local artists navigate the music industry can be found on our pages.
Mayor Trent Sullivan
Geelong has a rich musical history and our own distinct scene that is separate from Melbourne’s.
Chrissy Amphlett from the Divinyls and Magic Dirt’s Adalita are Geelong legends, Goanna formed and created some of their iconic songs here and even members of King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard did their schooling in Geelong.
With such an eclectic blend of musicians continuing to come out of our region, our Music Industry Register will become a go-to resource that will support and strengthen the industry.
Creativity and Culture portfolio chair, Councillor Melissa Cadwell
Live music is a fundamental part of our region’s arts and culture.
A thriving live music scene makes a powerful and positive contribution to the community and our economy.
The review of the Central Geelong Live Music Action Plan provides us with helpful feedback on actions worth continuing, areas to improve on and new avenues to explore.
Council is committed to cementing the region’s reputation as a live music hub by supporting the many talented local musicians and attracting Australian and international acts to our shores.
