Locals Playing Locals

About the program

• What is it?

  This program aims to support eligible venues and events by contributing $250 per individual artist fees for live music performances in the City of Port Phillip. The amount is in line with the Musician Australia campaign for $250.

  This funding is limited, however applications submitted within the requested timelines with all appropriate documentation attached are likely to be successful. Applicants of multiple requests must seek advice prior to submission by emailing the Live Music Lead to ensure a fair allocation of funds. Council reserves the right to have a final say on all applications.

  Locals Playing Locals is an initiative that has arisen out of the recently endorsed Live Music Action Plan.

  Applicants are encouraged to explore the artists in the database and find their perfect musical match. It is hoped the database of artists will continue to grow and be used by the local music industry long after the program is completed.

  Applicants must comply with public health requirements in place at the time as determined by the Victorian Chief Health Officer and/or relevant government authorities, which may include mandatory vaccination compliance. The City of Port Phillip reserves the right to exclude participants who do not comply with public health requirements.

  Artists that are selected by venues/events will be contracted by Auspicious Arts. Auspicious Arts have clauses and standards in their Agreements that Artists will need to agree with in order to receive payment. This includes the collection of vaccination certificates as per State Government requirements. 

• Eligibility

  All applicants must be applying for musicians to perform at venues and events based in the City of Port Phillip.

  By applying to this program applicants are declaring they have the following documentation:

  Venues:

  • A valid Certificate of Currency in the name of the venue/event holder with a minimum coverage of $20 million
  • Relevant documents that outline their statutory obligations including planning permits and liquor licence (if relevant)
  • An active COVID-safe plan that complies with all government regulatory requirements.

  Events on public land (only free or low-cost events are eligible to apply):

  • City of Port Phillip issued Event Permit
  • Be based in the City of Port Phillip 
  • Be permitted to host live music as per their business’ planning permit and liquor licence 
  • Be registered with APRA AMCOS/OneMusic Australia 

• How artists participate

  • To participate in this program local Artists must list their act on the Featured Artist Database. To be included on this database Artists must establish their connection to the City of Port Phillip.
  • This scheme is designed to encourage local venues to engage local performers for gigs. To be eligible, venues must book a local act listed on the Featured Artist Database and submit an application.
  • Applicants will contact artists using the contact details provided on the database.
  • Artists with connections to local venues are encouraged to make contact with the venue and encourage them to check their eligibility and submit an application.
  • Payments to Artists will be managed by Council and auspiced by Auspicious Arts based on the information provided in the application form.
  • Artists that are selected by venues/events will be contracted by Auspicious Arts. Auspicious Arts have clauses and standards in their Agreements that Artists will need to agree with in order to receive payment. This includes the collection of vaccination certificates as per State Government requirements.

• Process for applicants

  1. Choose your artist: The artist must be listed on the Featured Database Page. Take note of the artist genre and set up and review the music using the links supplied. (Council takes no responsibility for the suitability of the music to the venue – applicants are encouraged to email the Live Music Lead with specific questions if unsure).

  There are lots of helpful links about finding appropriate music for your space if you’ve not booked live music before; see below for a couple of useful links:

  • Tips on creating a live music brand for your venue
  • Live Music Toolkit

  2. Contact the artist. Use the contact details on the artist page to email them directly.

  If it is easier for you, please use this draft booking email when contacting the Artist (Act) you have chosen. 

  If you are drafting your own correspondence it is important you have the following information ready for your application:

  1. Main name from the Act for the Agreement
  2. Name of Act 
  3. Act ABN
  4. Number of people in the Act that will perform in your venue (so a fee can be calculated)
  5. Act email and contact number for agreement 
  6. Confirmation of the technical set up – be clear on what equipment you have and what equipment the artist needs to supply.
  7. Confirmed time and date of performance including set duration details (eg 2 x 30-minute sets)