Amplify: Music Industry Research

The South Coast has always been home to incredible music, from intimate pub gigs to festival stages, from bedroom producers to touring acts. But what’s it really like to make music here? What challenges do our artists face, and what opportunities are we missing?

The Amplify Music Industry Research Project is digging deep to find out.

What We’re Doing

This comprehensive study is mapping the music landscape across Shoalhaven, Kiama, and Shellharbour. We’re not just collecting data, we’re capturing the real stories of people who live and breathe music in our region.

The Survey

We’re gathering insights from seven key groups who shape our music ecosystem:

• Artists
• Industry Technicians
• Venue owners and operators
• Audiences
• Music Producers
• Community Music
• Music Festivals and Events

This survey digs into the real stuff: how people make a living, what barriers they face, where the opportunities are hiding, and what support would actually make a difference.

Do the survey, click here or

Scan here     

Survey closes: Friday 31 October 2025

The Amplify Sessions: Your Voice, Your Story

Our community consultation sessions will bring together the people who make our music scene tick: musicians, venue owners, sound engineers, music teachers, event organisers, and the audiences who show up week after week.

We will be creating space for honest conversations about what’s working, what’s broken, and what could be possible. Listening to what matters most to you.

Sessions will be happening later in 2025, click here to be added to the mailing list

Why This Research Matters

Let’s be honest, making music on the South Coast isn’t easy.

Talented artists are working a ‘day job’ or leaving the region. Venues are struggling. Great music is being made, but it’s not always finding its audience.

This research will give us a clear evidence based for us to:

• Secure better funding for artists and music programs
• Advocate for policy changes that support live music
• Build stronger connections between artists, venues, and industry professionals
• Create pathways for emerging talent to develop and thrive
• Develop sustainable infrastructure that works for everyone
• Show the economic value of our creative sector

What Happens Next?

This isn’t research for research’s sake. The findings will directly inform South Coast Arts work as our regional arts development organisation and advocate. Our final report will be a roadmap for creating a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable music scene, one that works for artists, venues, festivals, community music, producer, technicians and audiences.

The report will also serve as a powerful tool for policymakers, funders, and cultural leaders who want to understand what our music community actually needs to flourish.

Your Voice Matters

This research belongs to our community. Whether you’re:

• A musician juggling three jobs to pay the bills
• A venue owner trying to keep live music viable
• A sound engineer building your freelance career
• A music lover who shows up to support local acts
• Someone who dreams of getting involved but doesn’t know where to start

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