Canberra's Premier Jazz Event Navigates Financial Uncertainty
In the world of jazz, improvisation is a celebrated art form. However, for saxophonist and festival director Richard Johnson, that spirit of adaptability has been tested far beyond the stage. The SoundOut festival, a cornerstone of Canberra's cultural calendar, has hit a significant financial hurdle, compelling organisers to seek alternative funding avenues after traditional grant support evaporated.
A Community Rallies to Keep the Music Alive
Despite the setback, the show went on. This year's edition of the festival brought together twenty-six jazz musicians from Canberra, across Australia, and internationally for three days of dynamic concerts and educational workshops. Held at the Australian National University Drill Hall, the event continues to champion the free jazz movement that originated in the 1960s, presenting a diverse program that spans traditional instrumentals, cutting-edge electronic performances, and innovative crossovers with visual arts.
"It's about experiment, all forms of experimental music," emphasised festival director Mr Johnson. Faced with failed grant applications, cancellation was never an option. Instead, he turned to the community, launching a crowdfunding campaign with a pledge to deliver an exceptional festival on a shoestring budget. "We bring in the world-renowned artists in their areas of music," he stated. "That kind of means we need to pull our socks up."
The response was heartening. Within two months, more than ninety donors contributed a total of $15,000. These vital funds were allocated to cover artist fees, catering, and essential production costs, salvaging the festival from financial collapse.
A Rollercoaster of Arts Funding
This episode highlights the precarious nature of arts financing. Now in its seventeenth year, the SoundOut festival has experienced fluctuating support. The previous year, 2025, was a high point, with organisers receiving over $85,000 in combined funding from artsACT and Creative Australia. This unexpected windfall allowed Mr Johnson to pay musicians double their usual rates, though he was unable to carry any surplus into the following year.
In contrast, the lead-up to the 2026 festival was marked by uncertainty. Artists were booked six months in advance, long before any funding decisions were announced. This left the festival in a vulnerable position, reliant on the generosity of musicians and attendees to proceed. "People have been absolutely fantastic, funds, donations, volunteering, it's all been great," Mr Johnson acknowledged, noting significant support from volunteers and donors travelling from Sydney.
An Uncertain Future for a Cultural Institution
While the community's intervention provided a temporary reprieve, the broader funding crisis has taken a heavy toll. Mr Johnson, who has "been stubborn and determined for 17 years," now faces the grim prospect of ending the festival indefinitely if stable, long-term financial support cannot be secured.
"It's sad after all these years, there's nothing in Canberra, no festivals like it unfortunately," he lamented. The situation underscores a wider challenge for niche cultural events that rely on inconsistent grant cycles and community goodwill to survive. The future of Canberra's unique SoundOut jazz festival now hangs in the balance, a poignant reminder of the fragility of the arts sector when core funding dries up.
