Pictured: Jump Ship Brewing
From some of Adelaide’s best-known gig spots to much-loved regional venues, South Australia’s live music scene is getting a welcome boost, with more than $400,000 in State Government funding set to help bring more original music to stages across the state.
Thirteen live music venues across South Australia have been announced as recipients of the new funding program, giving local musicians more opportunities to perform and music lovers more reasons to head out and catch a gig.
The funding comes through the State Government’s new Venues Activation Program, which will help venues expand their live music offerings, attract new audiences and make performances more accessible.
Among those receiving support are some familiar Adelaide favourites, including the Grace Emily Hotel, Jive, Lion Arts Factory, Rhino Room and The Austral Hotel.
Anyone who loves Adelaide’s live music scene will recognise just how important these venues are. From intimate gigs and emerging artists finding their feet to packed rooms celebrating homegrown talent, they play a huge role in keeping the city’s music culture alive.
And the good news extends well beyond the CBD!
Three regional venues have also secured funding, including Jump Ship Brewing in Port Lincoln, Three Brothers Arms Hotel in Macclesfield and Yeo Haus in Port Elliot, helping bring more original live music to audiences outside Adelaide.
The full list of successful venues includes:
- Ancient World
- Arthur Artbar
- Edinburgh Castle
- Grace Emily Hotel
- Jive
- Jump Ship Brewing
- Lion Arts Factory
- Rhino Room
- The Austral Hotel
- The Hotel Metropolitan
- Three Brothers Arms Hotel
- UniBar ADL
- Yeo Haus
The program is designed specifically for live music venues with capacities of up to 700 people, recognising the important role smaller spaces play in supporting musicians, developing talent and creating opportunities across the industry.
Funding will support new and expanded live music programming, alongside improvements that make venues more welcoming and accessible. The funded activities will take place over the next 12 months.
Minister for Arts Kyam Maher said these venues are an essential part of the state’s creative landscape.
“Live music venues are the backbone of South Australia’s music industry. They provide vital spaces for artists to develop their craft, connect with audiences and build sustainable careers.”
Another important part of the announcement is a new partnership with Access2Arts, which will see 10 of the successful venues participate in an accessibility and inclusion program.
This will include a masterclass in 2027, along with individual accessibility audits and tailored plans to help venues identify opportunities for improvement.
For Rhino Room’s Mick Krieg, the funding is a welcome recognition of the work happening behind the scenes to keep local music thriving.
“Live music venues play a critical role in the local music ecosystem. Support through the Venues Activation Program recognises the important work of venues and will help us strengthen our contribution to South Australia’s vibrant live music community.”
The initiative forms part of A Sound Future, South Australia’s music development strategy, with another round of funding applications scheduled to open in August 2027.
For local artists and gig-goers, the investment promises more opportunities to experience original live music, support homegrown performers and enjoy the venues that make South Australia’s music scene so special.
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