‘Sound future’ promised for city music venues
Ten city venues have secured funding to boost their live music in a programme the arts minister hopes will strike a more accessible chord in SA. See the full list of venues.
More than $400,000 in state government funding will flow to 13 live music venues; ten in the city and three in the regions, Arts Minister Kyam Maher announced today.
The funding pool is part of a venues activation programme designed to support music venues that can hold up to 700 people and is a key initiative of the state’s music development strategy called “A Sound Future”.
Of the city venues, most are in the west end, including Ancient World, Arthur Artbar, the Ed Castle, Jive and the Grace Emily.
Funding will support a range of initiatives at the venues including expanding live music programming and accessibility improvements over the next 12 months.
It comes after a state government-backed industry showcase’s failure to accommodate pop artist Nat Luna stoked a bigger conversation about accessibility across Adelaide’s music scene.
Nat Luna was initially programmed to play the Scouted live music showcase in 2025, but none of the venues – including the Ed Castle, Jive and the Grace Emily – could accommodate her powered wheelchair accessing their stages.
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Ten of the successful venues also have been selected to participate in a new accessibility and inclusion professional development program delivered by SA’s peak body for arts and disability, Access2Arts.
Participating venues will undertake an Accessibility and Inclusion Masterclass in 2027 and receive a tailored Accessibility Audit and Roadmap to help improve venue accessibility and strengthen audience inclusion.
“Through the Venues Activation Program, we are supporting venues that help make South Australia one of the nation’s most vibrant destinations for live music, while also improving accessibility so more South Australians can participate in and enjoy live music experiences,” SA Arts Minister Kyam Maher said.
“It’s particularly pleasing to see strong representation from regional venues, helping ensure audiences across the state can access high-quality original live music close to home.”
The three regional venues that were successful applicants are Yeo Haus in Port Elliot, Three Brothers Arms Hotel in Macclesfield and Jump Ship Brewing in Port Lincoln.
The Austral Hotel, Rhino Room and UniBar in the east end also received funds.
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The list includes the Ed Castle, which is the temporary home of the iconic Adelaide pub The Cranker. The owners relocated there mid last year after Singaporean developer Wee Hur started building a 29-storey student accommodation tower next to The Cranker’s east end site.
The Cranker has plans to relocate to their original site when construction work is complete. Ownership has previously said this should be around July 2027.
Pirie Street’s Rhino Room was also on the list, which relocated from its Frome Street spot about a decade ago after a 36-storey hotel and apartment complex plan ousted the music venue.
“Live music venues play a critical role in the local music ecosystem,” Rhino Room owner Mick Krieg said.
“Support through the Venues Activation Program recognises the important work of venues and will help us strengthen our contribution to South Australia’s vibrant live music community.”
The news comes as Flinders Street venue The Jade searches for a new home after negotiations to renew its lease fell through.
Successful applicants of round one of the venue activation program:
- Ancient World
- Arthur Artbar
- Edinburgh Castle
- Grace Emily Hotel
- Jive
- Jump Ship Brewing
- Lion Arts Factory
- Rhino Room
- The Austral Hotel
- The Hotel Metropolitan
- Three Brothers Arms Hotel
- UniBar ADL
- Yeo Haus
Live music venues have to apply to receive the funding, and the next round will open in August 2027.
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