‘Give a Gig’: The Push Launches Campaign to Break Cost Barriers for Young Music Fans

Australian youth music charity The Push has launched a simple campaign as part of AusArt Day, encouraging people to ‘Give a Gig’.

At a time when cost-of-living pressures are keeping young people out of live music venues, The Push hopes Give a Gig will break through the cost barrier and inject new life into the Australian music scene.

As part of AusArt Day, taking place on October 23rd, every $25 donated through Give a Gig will help a young person experience live music for the very first time. AusArt Day invites all Australians to show their support for artists and arts organisations by donating to keep the creativity they love alive.

“For the past two years, our annual research has shown that cost is the biggest barrier for young Australians attending live music events,” said Kate Duncan, CEO of The Push. “That’s why we’re launching Give a Gig this AusArt Day and asking Australians to help us unlock life-changing music experiences for young people who would otherwise miss out.

“Live music creates powerful shared experiences that help young people build social connections, develop their identity, and find their community. These experiences contribute to improved mental wellbeing and resilience during a critical developmental stage.”

In addition to financial barriers, most live music events in Australia are held in licensed venues, which automatically excludes those under 18 from attending. The Push’s Give a Gig efforts hope to also address this barrier, by delivering safe, all-ages, drug and alcohol-free shows across metropolitan, regional, and rural communities.

These events provide a vital entry point into the music world for artists and audience members alike, creating inclusive spaces where young people can connect with peers, discover new music, and feel part of something bigger than themselves.

The barriers are something many in the industry can relate to during their teenage years, including Community Music’s A&R assistant Nathan Gunn.

“Having access to all-ages events through The Push was everything to me,” he said. “It gave me a space to learn, feel included, and see a career in music as something real and achievable, not merely a dream.”

“The Push has supported me and many thousands of young people to see bands we’d otherwise never be able to see live, and those gigs were some of the best nights of my life. Every young person deserves the chance to attend all-ages shows, and far too many are missing out, so our industry needs to do all it can to support young audiences to thrive.”

To support Give a Gig this AusArt Day, search for The Push and donate directly here.