Victoria’s live music scene is set to receive a $3.9 million boost, with the state government reinforcing its commitment to supporting the industry and venues.
The funding was designed to bolster the state’s beleaguered live music scene, and is part of a $35.4 million package supporting live music across the state.
Round one of the 10,000 Gigs: The Victorian Gig Fund, has now begun. Over 140 venues will be supported to stage paid gigs performed by local artists.
At the same time, $1 million in Music Works grants will involve over 600 professionals in the music industry, supporting 92 music projects.
City venues that have received grants include The Tote, Mamma Chen’s and Laundry, regional icon Theatre Royal in Castlemaine, and Volta in Ballarat.
Local artist Immy Owusu and the band Quivers are two examples of projects included in the Music Works program, which over the last nine years has supported more than 800 projects, including live shows and tours. This year brings the total investment in this program to almost $13 million.
Under the Live Music Festivals Fund, the 22 recipients include newer events such as the queer-focused Yass Queens Park, alongside the long running Port Fairy Folk Festival.
Multicultural Arts Victoria will be supporting creatives from culturally and linguistically diverse communities under the NEWPRINT program, while The Push All-Ages grants will support all aspects of the creation of all-ages gigs across Victoria.
Finally, the GRID Series artist development program in Geelong will be supporting local musicians starting out in their career.
Funds are being delivered on behalf of the Victorian Government by Music Victoria.
