The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the music industries of Brisbane and an evaluation of the policy response

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper examines the effects of policy responses to the COVID-19 global pandemic on Brisbane’s music industries. The methods used for data collection combined a review of policy documents at different levels of government, an on-line questionnaire with music workers, and semi-structured interviews with musicians and music industry workers to understand the impacts of COVID-19 mitigation strategies on various music industries, as well as to examine any opportunities that may have arisen from this disruptive event. The primary questions informing this research are thus what were the impacts of Queensland’s zero COVID policy on the music industries of Brisbane, and what can be learned for future music industry-related policy interventions? Based on data collected from an on-line survey and on semi-structured interviews with musicians and professionals from the Brisbane music scene, we conclude that while the QLD state government response to the crisis recognised to an extent the importance of Brisbane’s music industries, policy responses were not always seen as equitable in relation to other industries and that policy responses to future disruptive events would be better served with greater consultation and consistency. Practitioner pointers COVID-19 planning and policy responses lacked consistency, in particular there was a perception of inequality in the audience numbers available to the local music industries versus the sports industry. Policy responses should have been more consistent, or the perceived lack of consistency should have been better explained. In order to better understand the effects of policy and planning on grassroots local music industries, a greater degree of government consultation is required. Music industries need to find ways in which greater industry vcollectiveness can be achieved to improve advocacy efforts.