A music community gathers to highlight the importance of live music in the community. Photo: Supplied.
Make Music Day is calling on musicians, venues, schools and community groups to help bring more free music into public life.
What began in France in 1982 as Fête de la Musique, has grown into an international celebration, which returns on June 21.
The global event is built around one simple idea: music should be made, shared and experienced by everyone.
In Australia, organisers are encouraging local communities to register their street performances, community jams, school concerts, workshops, choir sessions, and more, to put the spotlight on the importance of free live music in daily life.
Emma Bienvenu from the Australian Music Association said Make Music Day was about recognising the role music plays in community life.
“We want people to remember that making music and enjoying the music of others brings many of the same benefits [as sport] and can often be more inclusive and accessible,” she said.
How it impacts the Sunshine Coast
It is a point that lands strongly on the Sunshine Coast, where recent conversations around venue closures and live music infrastructure have raised bigger questions about how communities support music, not just sport. While local sporting clubs often sit at the centre of funding, facilities and public life, music is still too often pushed into hospitality spaces and the alcohol economy, despite playing a similar role in connection, wellbeing and community identity.
The day already has strong support in other parts of the country, with Adelaide planning a major citywide program and Moreton Bay hosting a month-long music trail through galleries, museums, libraries and public spaces.
Australian musicians, venues, retailers, schools and community groups can register events via Make Music Australia.
Make Music Day is presented in Australia by the Australian Music Association, with support from the NAMM Foundation and Music Australia.
