Rising Fuel Costs Force Regional Artists to Rethink Touring

Country music artist Adele Oliver has revealed that half the income from her latest gig went to fuel costs, highlighting a growing crisis for performers in regional Australia. Her recent tour covered 1,800 kilometers over eight dates, a distance that has become financially unsustainable for many.

"Now I would not be able to make an income being on the road. It's probably never been a great career choice, but now more than ever."

Oliver stated she is now looking for other work to supplement her income. She also noted that ticket sales have slowed and people have started to rein in their spending, compounding the financial pressure.

Industry Adapts to New Pressures

Faced with these challenges, artists and promoters are being forced to adapt.

Esperance booking company owner Kyron Smithson has been trying to book multiple shows for touring artists visiting the town and negotiating higher prices to cover costs. He warns that fuel costs mean locals could expect fewer visits from touring artists and more gigs by local artists.

"Audiences would miss out on seeing bigger acts and opportunities for emerging regional artists would be limited if touring became more restrictive."

Smithson suggested that venues should help cover fuel costs for touring artists if they are able, and that more quick-turnaround touring grants would help.

Townsville-based street artist Garth Jankovic has also changed his approach. He now plans multiple jobs on long trips, travels in winter to reduce air-conditioning use, and prioritizes local jobs. Beyond cost, he cited concerns about getting stuck on the road with uncertain fuel supplies and noted that safety is a consideration.

"When the whole of society seems to sometimes take a little bit of a downturn, it's actually the arts, I believe, we need more than anything else. But ironically it's usually the first thing that gets cut."

National Body Monitoring Situation

A Creative Australia spokesperson confirmed that the arts funding and advisory body is aware of the pressures rising costs are having on artists and arts organizations and is monitoring the situation.