The Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival has received a $96,000 grant from the Federal Government to make the festival a reality in its 37th year.

Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips announced Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival as one of two festivals to receive a share of the $2.5 million on offer under the Government’s Live Music Australia program. The NelliJam Music Festival in Nelligen will also receive $23,903.

The latest grant comes in addition to the $17,000 allocated by Kiama Council to the Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival in December 2023 as part of the Signature Community Event fund.

“The South Coast has so much to offer, and our ever-growing live music scene is just one way to soak up a bit of fun and frivolity in the country – what could be better,” said Fiona Phillips.

“Sharing Australian music, art and culture is what Aussies do best, and I am just so delighted to see the Albanese Government investing almost $120,000 to support music festivals in our community.”

Festival organiser Becky Guggisberg said she was thrilled to receive the grant, which will help the festival prepare for its 40th year in a few years time.

“The Federal Government recognises that live music in Australia is a really important part of our culture and they see the value in this festival that began at the grassroots level and has managed to survive for 37 years. They’re very much in support of the fact that we help artists rise through the ranks and get seen in different contexts.”

Becky said one of the core beliefs of the festival’s organisers is that artists are paid fairly, and this recent grant helps ensure that everyone is fairly compensated.

“The other part of this grant is the hope of having a sustainable approach to live music. We want to encourage other spaces to be venues, not just during the festival. I think [the Federal Government was] impressed that the festival has helped foster places like Fillmores, El Corazon and the Bowlo to have live music. It’s in our culture to love live music.”

The next round of funding will open in February and target small to medium live music venues.