South Australian music industry health check 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the South Australian music sector in multiple ways and continues to impact the industry’s ability to function years later. This research project draws on qualitative data gained from participant interviews with multiple stakeholders in the SA music industry to gain on-the-ground insights into the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the sector, and how its implications continue to reverberate throughout the sector.

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With funding support from the Music Development Office (MDO), City of Adelaide, CP3 and UniSA Creative, this research draws on qualitative data gained from participant interviews with stakeholders in the SA music industry, such as venues owners, musicians, funding bodies and policy makers, to gain on-the-ground insights into the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the sector. The purpose of this initial research was to perform a ‘health check’ on the status of the SA music industry across the 2021 calendar year, to inform appropriate policy recommendations to the MDO (a subsidiary of the Department of Innovation and Skills).

To date, many of these recommendations have already been actioned (such as direct support to the sector in the form of the recently allocated Live Music Support program), although long-term strategies are still being implemented. However, the Covid-19 pandemic and the lengthy economic recovery that has followed have continued to affect the sector, and project investigators Dr Rosie Roberts and Dr Sam Whiting continue to work with multiple stakeholders to understand and address these issues across the South Australian live music sector.

Findings from this research project were presented to the MDO in 2021 for inclusion within their strategic plan. A full report on the project—documenting research undertaken throughout the 2021 calendar year—is now available below.

Access the report