LOCKOUT LAWS MEMORIALS
BRINGING SYDNEY'S MUSIC SCENE BACK FROM THE DEAD
The Lock Out Laws introduced in Sydney in 2014 have had a devastating effect on Sydney's nightlife and culture.
Dozens of live music venues have had to close their doors permanently as it's become impossible for them to generate enough business under the strict regulations. These venues played a crucial role in giving Australia's biggest artists and musicians their big break.
Sydney needed to be reminded just how important these venues were.
The idea was to create memorial plaques for 18 venues that gave Australian artists their big break but have had to close their doors forever.
Each plaque had the name of the venue, the date the venue closed down and the band/artist who got their big break there and how.
ARTISTS GETTING INVOLVED
Artists performed outside their plaques at the closed down venues. The plaques where then shared on social media by the individual artist's that featured on each plaque with their own perspective on the impact on the Lockout Laws.
THE SOCIAL FILM
The stunt became the basis of our film to be shared with the online community and spread the message further. The film boasted an unreleased track 'Heater' by Australia's biggest artist Flume
GOING VIRAL
The stunt instantly went viral with over 30 million organic social views within the first 48 hours as well as making headlines internationally featuring in publications below.
CAUSING A MOVEMENT
The online campaign drove more than 10,000 people to hit Sydney's street in a rally the following week that was covered by all major news channels.
MAKING NOISE AT THE ARIA AWARDS
Artist's also got behind the cause in their acceptance speeches at the 2016 ARIA Awards, ironically at The Star Casino, one of the few venues exempt from the lock out laws.
“I performed at Goodgod Small Club supporting Chet Faker, that was one of my earliest gigs. And I think it’s so important for the future of music here that there is a scene.
It’s incredibly vital to our community and our reputation. If these small clubs get closed down, it’s going to ruin the scene. I want to fight that.”
“It’s about the lockouts in Sydney, and the way the government is treating arts in this city.
I don’t think they’re giving it the priority it needs to have.”
RESULTS
Over 30 million organic social views within the first 48 hours
Featured internationally online and in press.
Driving more than 10,000 people to participate in the rally.
And most importantly the Government responded making a public statement that they're to re-asses the Lock Out Laws by the end of the year.