Novocastrians will be treated to almost 70 live performances at 18 venues across the region over the next two months.
City of Newcastle is supporting the events through the Locally Made and Played funding program in a bid to reinvigorate the local cultural scene.
The newly-opened Newcastle Comedy Club is one of the venues that will host performers as COVID-19 restrictions ease, encouraging more people to get out and about to experience the thrill of a show and support the local industry.
Part-owner Allan Brady said the New York-style venue is the first dedicated comedy club to open its doors in the city.
“Novocastrians are craving a good time at the moment and live comedy is the perfect antidote to beating the COVID-19 blues,” Mr Brady said.
“Many local comics and performing artists are relying on venues like ours to remain open to invite them to perform, so the funding comes at a critical time for our industry and performers livelihoods.”
Following two successful funding rounds in 2021, the criteria for Locally Made and Played has been broadened to allow a wider variety of venues and performance types including live comedy and micro-theatre.
Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Advisory Committee Carol Duncan said Newcastle’s embattled live music and cultural scene is set to rebound with the support of the grants.
“Live performances funded by the Locally Made and Played grant will apply to performances that take place between 2 March and 30 April 2022, to coincide with the easing of restrictions,” Cr Duncan said.
“The funding will not only provide a boost to local venues financially hit as a result of COVID-19 but will also help support our home-grown talent right here in Newcastle.”
The Locally Made and Played grant program forms part of City of Newcastle’s COVID-19 Community Economic Resilience Program.
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