Adelaide venue The Gov will receive $300,000 in state funding as part of a $1 million package announced by the South Australian state government. The funding package will provide a lifeline to the South Australian music industry, helping both live music venues and artists themselves.
“SA’s music industry contributes $170 million to our economy and employs more than 2,300 people, that’s why the Marshall Government is amping up the live music scene with this funding injection for musicians and businesses,” commented Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni on Facebook.
“Recognising the unique place that The Gov has in Adelaide’s live music ecosystem, we’ve also announced targeted support for the venue as part of the $1 million package.”
Speaking to The Adelaide Review, venue booker Melissa Tonkin acknowledged the impact that the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent restrictions on mass gatherings has had on the venue.
“Just because your income stops, doesn’t mean the bills stop coming in,” she said. “We went into debt to pay out our smaller creditors – we understand how important it is for smaller businesses, and a lot of the people we work with are small south Australian businesses as well.”
The Tonkin family have managed The Gov for over 27 years. In that time, it’s become an institution for live music in the city, regularly hosting international and local acts. Prior to its temporary closure due to COVID-19 restrictions, the venue had hosted the likes of Bastille, Wolfmother, Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes, Bad//Dreems and Tropical Fuck Storm.
The remaining $700,000 will be allocated to various venues, artists and local businesses in Adelaide’s music community.
