The City’s role in Fringe Benefits is to link venues and locations with performers. The City of Ballarat does not pay businesses to host performers – it introduces performers to venues and negotiation is done between performer and venue. The City of Ballarat recommends that venues should follow Musician Union recommended rates for payment to artists. The City has been extremely clear that it does not provide funding to venues to pay for their artists.
All information about the working relationship can be found here:
https://www.creativeballarat.com.au/fringe-benefits
The following City of Ballarat website information relates specifically to questions around payment of performers.
DO I HAVE TO PAY MY MUSICIANS AND PERFORMERS?
Yes. We encourage you to pay your musicians and performers and recommend you use the rates calculator supported by the Musicians Union as a guide.
WILL THE COUNCIL CONTRIBUTE TO MY PERFORMANCE AND MUSICIAN COSTS?
No. We are investing heavily in the promotion and support of venues and businesses, and in lifting the profile of performers and musicians in the city. We will be supporting you by running marketing programs, publicity and providing you with promotional assets that will work to support your business or venue.