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A variety of factors, including government red tape and high rents, are making it increasingly difficult for artists in the live music, visual arts and independent theatre sectors to operate in Perth. Now the live music sector is fighting back.
Small venues are closing across the city, including the 30-year old Kurb Gallery, where the rent was increased from $22,000 to $60,000 per annum, forcing the gallery to shut up shop at the start of the year. Other Perth galleries to have closed recently include Perth Galleries and Melody Smith, while Emerge Art Space was forced to relocate due to rising rental costs. Live music venues Kulcha and YaYa’s have also closed, while another music venue, The Bakery, is set to close its doors on 9 May.
