Unpaid gigs, closed venues and bullying: new report paints grim picture of Victorian live music

Industry snapshot finds lack of diversity and culture of harassment in Victoria, with most live performing opportunities going to men

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Less than half of the Victorian businesses licensed for live music gigs in 2019 have so far renewed their licences for 2021-22, as the music industry struggles with endemic harassment, bullying and low pay, according to a report by Music Victoria.

The white paper released on Wednesday found the sector was emerging from the pandemic with business, cultural and capacity problems that were getting worse, not better.

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