Bigsound is back on the industry calendar.
While the health crisis destroys the touring industry worldwide, Australia’s premier music industry conference and showcase is slated for a return to Brisbane Fortress in 2020 at a later than usual date and in a condensed COVIDSafe format.
This week’s announcement surprised the industry. The southern state of Victoria and its capital Melbourne, widely considered to be the country’s cultural mecca, has just entered a second shutdown to try to stem a worrying peak in coronavirus cases. And there are troubling signs of an outbreak or two in New South Wales.
The Bigsound show, however, will continue.
Originally announced for September 1 and 4, this year’s event will be reduced to a two-day, two-night event beginning October 21.
All activities will follow the protocols of social distancing and security, with a compact program of conferences, workshops, facilitated conversations, live festival exhibitions, secret shows and official parties, according to a statement issued by the organizers.
Live artist display applications are now open, and application fees have been reduced this time, due to the condensed size and capacity of the event.
Billboard understands that 13 places are currently registered to participate in Bigsound 2020.
“We feel like we’re taking care of an industry-owned event,” says Angela Samut, CEO of QMusic, which produces the event. Numbers will be cut to meet health and safety standards, but “we are definitely making progress,” says Samut Billboard.
Many elements of daytime programming will take place in a virtual sense. “It is an export event,” says Samut. Since its inauguration 18 years ago, “that is our point of difference”.
Tourism Minister Kate Jones said Bigsound would play an important role as the state enters the next phase of economic recovery.
“Big events like this inject millions of dollars into the local economy and support local jobs,” said Jones.
“Because the people of Queensland have done a great job fighting COVID-19, we can now begin to welcome tourists to our state. This festival will give a boost to local businesses at a time when everyone is making it difficult. This is great news for the industry. “
Speakers and artists will be announced in due course. Visit Bigsound.org.au for more.
