The British singer-songwriter becomes the first international artist to partner with Australian Music Venue Foundation, donating a portion of 2026 tour proceeds to protect small venues.
British soul-pop artist Olivia Dean has announced her return to Australia for a 2026 arena tour, marking a significant milestone not just for her career but for the country’s grassroots music scene. The BRIT Award nominee will donate $1.10 from every ticket sold to the Australian Music Venue Foundation (AMVF), becoming the first artist to support the newly formed organisation.
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Dean’s three-date Australian run follows her appearance at this year’s ARIA Awards and a November Sydney show. Presented by Handsome Tours and Laneway Presents, The Art of Loving tour will run across Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane in October next year.
The partnership, facilitated through charity organisation PLUS1, directly supports AMVF’s mission to protect and nurture small venues across Australia. These spaces serve as crucial launching pads for emerging artists, while providing affordable access to live music in both regional and metropolitan areas.
Olivia Dean ’26 Australia tour dates
Presented by Handsome Tours and Laneway Presents
Tue 6 Oct: Rod Laver Arena, Naarm / Melbourne
Fri 9 Oct: Qudos Bank Arena, Wangal / Sydney
Tue 13 Oct: Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Meanjin / Brisbane
“It’s amazing to see an artist like Olivia Dean, who is not only culturally impacting the world with her music, but also makes a real impact for artists, venue owners and audiences—wherever they might be in the world,” says AMVF CEO and Chair Tam Boakes. “Her amazing generosity means that we will be able to assist all parts of the Australian live music ecosystem. At the AMVF we firmly believe that Big Music starts in Small Venues, and this donation is an acknowledgement of that.”
Established earlier this year with guidance from the UK’s Music Venues Trust co-founder Mark Davyd, AMVF engages all sectors of the industry to recognise the economic and cultural value of grassroots venues.
Olivia Dean’s Australia tour supports her sophomore record, The Art of Loving, which continues the emotional depth that saw her debut Messy shortlisted for the Mercury Prize and earn three BRIT nominations. Recent Top 5 ARIA single ‘Man I Need’ showcases her signature blend of soul, pop, intimate songwriting, and warm, vintage production. The album explores love’s quieter moments rather than its grand gestures, a thematic focus that reflects her evolving perspective on relationships and connection.
Her commitment to supporting the venues that helped shape her own career demonstrates a clear understanding of the music industry’s interconnected nature, where today’s arena headliners began their journeys on small stages.
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