BIG FAN LIVE - NZ Music Month Special Initiative Announced

Founding in 2022 and already a pillar of Tāmaki Makaurau's live music community, BIG FAN continue to amplify emerging voices with their inclusive BIG FAN LIVE initiative, an ongoing "programme designed to break down the traditional financial and access barriers when putting on a live show". The all-ages venue / studio hub invite those "interested in staging an original live music show" to apply to participate in the next BIG FAN LIVE round, timed to coincide with NZ Music Month with four slots available for this coming May.

Successful applicants will be provided with "the music venue and cover associated costs (production, backline and related staffing), free of charge, with all ticket sales going directly to the acts/event organisers — affording the recipients a chance to make a profit via ticket sales." That's a rare opportunity that should definitely be seized upon. BIG FAN LIVE is "intended for Aotearoa citizens and residents, open to all ages, and applications from outside Tāmaki Makaurau are strongly encouraged." Successful applicants will receive support from the experienced BIG FAN team in organising their live event along with promotional support, funded in part by the Ministry of Culture & Heritage.

For the full official lowdown on how to put your live music masterplan in motion, plus FAQs and eligibility criteria, head along to the BIG FAN Live page HERE

“We know that it can be hard to find available venues to play at, and it’s not always possible to take the risk and pay for everything. BIG FAN LIVE is going to take that worry away so that people can focus on putting on a great show, growing their audience and honing their live skills." — Joel Little, music producer and founder of BIG FAN

Applications for the first round of dates will open on Tuesday 5th March and close on Sunday 10th March. Dates for each show are:

Thursday 2nd May
Sunday 12th May
Friday 17th May
Friday 31st May

Press release:

BIG FAN LIVE is more than just access – it’s a path to growing artists and audiences. Our mission? Break down barriers in accessing live music venues. We’re encouraging people to put on a show by providing our venue and cover associated costs, for free, with all ticket sales going directly to the acts or event organisers. It’s open to people of all ages, at all skill levels, from across Aotearoa.

With 18 opportunities until October 2024, the dedicated BIG FAN team stands ready to support successful applicants throughout the entire process. From organising line-ups and sorting budgets to marketing strategies and promotions, we're here to help ensure your show is a success!