We are shaping a new live music era for the Gold Coast.
Our music scene is becoming a creative powerhouse, with home-grown award-winning musicians and a growing audience hungry for live music offerings.
We recognise the immense musical talent that exists in our city. We support everyone who contributes to shaping our cultural identity – musicians, the venues and professional service providers who work behind the scenes.
The following initiatives are designed to expand the live music scene on the Gold Coast.
Funding and partnerships
We offer funding and partnerships to support Gold Coast musicians and the music industry to create and perform on the Gold Coast.
Funding
Gold Coast Live Music Fund
Our Gold Coast Live Music Fund aims to encourage, promote, improve, and showcase Gold Coast's diverse music industry by providing support to local independent promoters, professional musicians, and music venues.
The Fund assists with a range of activities targeted to support the growth of music businesses, including live performances, merchandise, video and studio production.
Download the Live Music Fund Guidelines(PDF, 299KB)
Applications are open until 22 November 2024 for:
Professional Musicians and Independent Promoters
Music venues
BIGSOUND Bursary
BIGSOUND is the southern hemisphere’s biggest music industry gathering. Some of the world’s most influential tastemakers and adventurous music lovers come to discover the future of music over 3 exciting, fun-filled nights in Brisbane each September.
Check back here for bursary opportunities in 2025.
For conference details, visit the BIGSOUND website
Australian Women in Music Awards Conference Bursary
Australian Women in Music Awards recognise and celebrate exceptional female musicians and music practitioners across all genres of music.
Check back here for bursary opportunities in 2025.
For conference details, visit the AWMA website
Partnerships
Gold Coast Music Awards
The Gold Coast Music Awards are our region’s leading music industry awards. They highlight the city’s vibrant live music scene and honour the rich and diverse talent. For details, visit the Gold Coast Music Awards website
Road to BIGSOUND
This is QMusic’s mentoring program for Gold Coast artists. The program provides mentorships to maximise the opportunities at BIGSOUND. Participants attend pre-event meetings and receive on the ground support at BIGSOUND.
Gold Coast Music Office
Our new Gold Coast Music Office is your one-stop shop for music on the Gold Coast. We provide expert advice, live music funding, and fast-tracked permit approvals, to make it easier to host your event.
Contact us: music@goldcoast.qld.gov.au
Southport Special Entertainment Precinct
Southport is home to a growing cluster of live music venues on the Gold Coast. We have a vision for Southport to become a live music hub, a vibrant destination where everyone can see all kinds of music performed live. So we have established the Gold Coast's first Special Entertainment Precinct in Southport.
The Precinct will help attract and retain live music venues with noise managed by Council. This will ensure we create a vibrant and safe precinct with music venues and residential development designed to sit side by side.
To find out more about the Precinct, view Frequently asked questions(PDF, 475KB).
To find out if you need a licence to operate an amplified music venue in the Precinct and how to apply, visit Amplified music venue licence.
To find out about lodging a development application in the Precinct, visit Southport PDA.
Music Action Plan
Our Music Action Plan 2021 provides a blueprint to encourage the live music sector on the Gold Coast. We provide access to resources, promote Gold Coast music nationally and internationally, and foster stronger partnerships across all tiers of government, peak bodies and private enterprise.
Building new places to play
We’re committed to expanding and enriching the music experience on the Gold Coast. In the coming years, we’ll be introducing new venues, including: