Splendour in the Grass has been cancelled for 2024. Is this the end of music festivals?

Description

Story

 

The cancellation yesterday of the music festival Splendour in the Grass not only raises the question of whether festivals are viable, it puts a spotlight on the health of the entire Australian live music sector and how current models are not working.

Significance

97% of Australians engage with the arts either as participants or consumers. We need to ensure that music is a worthwhile investment of time and money. The level of confidence in the lAustralian live music sector is at an all time low and we need to find ways to raise the confidence through quality over quantity, and sustainable careers for music workers.

Key Points

Old models from the 90s are not working.
Young fans are less engaged, invested in, their favourite music acts
The music industry has recently acknowledged that fandom is a critical 'next step' for the music industry which has spent 15 years repairing itself in the digital realm.
Live music is the organic way to build this culture and sustain the careers of musicians, crews and live music organisers.