The state government has announced it will pour $3.9 million into gigs and festivals to ensure Victoria ‘remains the live music capital’ of the country.
The funding package aims to support those who work in the live music industry, including artists, venue staff and festival organisers.
Among the range of funding grants is The Victorian Gig Fund, which will give more than 140 live music venues from across the state money to pay local musicians to perform.
Another leg of the initiative to boost the industry’s capacity is through the Music Works grants.
It has allocated $1 million to support 92 music projects involving 600 music industry professionals to give both emerging and established artists the opportunity to take the next step in their careers.
The Live Music Festivals Fund will provide 22 festivals occurring in the state with up to $50,000 to help them stage new or existing events.
Creative Industries Minister Colin Brooks said the financial support was a show of commitment to Victoria’s vital creative sector.
“While the live music sector continues to face challenges across the country, this investment will help strengthen our local industry – a vital creative sector for our state,” he said.
“We’re continuing to back our state’s live music industry at all levels, with funding for festivals and venues to stage great events and live performances, support for established artists and industry workers, and to help emerging musicians get their start in the industry.”
The first rounds of these funds will be delivered by Music Victoria on behalf of the state government, who set aside $35.4 million in the 2023/24 state budget to support Victoria’s live music industry at all levels and in all parts of the state.
Recipients: creative.vic.gov.au/
