Like so many others in this local community, I am a local artist who has found lifelong friendships, performance confidence, and an avenue for growth in the safe and encouraging environment of the Cardigan Bar. 

We now have an opportunity to show our support for the beating heart of the Sandgate music scene and help secure 12 months of live Australian original music.

Cardigan Bar has made a significant impact on our community, offering a supportive and safe space for budding artists and Australian original artists. However, to safeguard the upcoming 12 months of live music programming, the bar seeks to secure financial support through the Revive Live grant application. Cultural and creative activities contributed approximately $122.3 billion to the Australian economy, which is about 6.4% of Australia’s GDP, and local venues like Cardigan nurture the talent contributing to this sector.

I encourage you to sign this petition to support the bar's grant application. 

Let's rally around Cardigan Bar as it has rallied around us. Kindly sign and share to show the Office for the Arts how much we value this local music venue and back their Revive Live grant application.

Additional information

Now more than ever, we need to support our favourite live music venues to ensure the list of venues closing down in Brisbane doesn't get any longer...

1. The Zoo: This iconic venue in Fortitude Valley closed its doors in July 2024 after 32 years of operation due to financial difficulties.
2. Stranded Bar: Located next to The Zoo, this cocktail bar and music venue also shut down in May 2024.
3. O’Skulligans: This venue in Brisbane’s CBD stopped hosting live music recently.
4. Laruche and the Victory Hotel have also announced their closures.

QMusic has expressed deep concern over the recent closures of iconic live music venues. They highlight the significant financial pressures faced by the live music industry, including rising operational costs and decreasing returns. The association emphasises the importance of live music venues in fostering local talent and maintaining Brisbane’s vibrant music scene.