A CULT Ipswich venue, Banshees Bar & Artspace, has received funding as part of the latest round of the Australian Government’s Live Music Australia program.
The venue has received $7150 towards an upgrade to the venue’s PA system, one of 74 live music venues to receive a share in $2.5 million under the latest round of the program.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said the pressures on the live music sector had been felt in Ipswich with the closure of Goleby’s Basement in June last year.
“The dedication and passion shown by the owners of Banshees Bar, Tim Bray and Al Wheeler, to nurture the local music scene has to be applauded,” Mr Neumann said.
Banshees Bar & Artspace co-owner Tim Bray said the Live Music Australia program grant would bring the venue one step closer to securing the future of live, original music in Ipswich.
“The live music industry is in crisis right now, with many of our sister venues struggling and closing, leading to less opportunities for musicians to hone their craft and develop their careers,” Mr Bray said.
Local musician and advocate for the industry Damian Johnson said Banshees was more than just another venue.
“Banshees Bar has become the heart of live music in Ipswich,” he said.
“It provides a space for original musicians to regular perform in front of a live audience; to connect with other musicians; to build a local support network and to develop their careers.
“Whilst there is a current trend of people making music for TikTok etc, that format lacks the symbiosis of interacting directly, within the same space, at the same time, with the audience, and this is where live music comes into its own.
“Performing artists know that the audience becomes as much a part of the band as the musicians at a live show, and together they create something magical, unique and sacred.”
