Victoria’s music industry has received a boost, with applications for two separate funding grants now open and a new advisory council established.
On Wednesday, January 29 Creative Industries Minister Colin Brooks announced that applications for the latest round of The Music Works program, which provides grants to support artists and music industry workers, and the 10,000 Gigs: Victorian Gig Fund that supports live music venues, were now open.
Mr Brooks also announced the appointment of a 14-member Victorian Music Industry Advisory Council to provide expert advice on the challenges and opportunities facing the Victorian industry and ensure its future sustainability.
“We’re supporting Victorian artists and venues to thrive, creating more opportunities for creative projects, live gigs, and local jobs while strengthening our state’s renowned music industry,” said Mr Brooks who made the announcement at Yarraville’s Kindred Studios, one of the venues that was successful in the previous round of grants offered by the Victorian Gig Fund.
“Iconic venues like Kindred Studios are at the centre of our creative communities,” said Footscray MP Katie Hall of why supporting live music venues was important.
“The 10,000 gigs initiative showcases Victoria’s vibrant music scene, supporting local artists and venues – bringing more jobs, more gigs, and more fun to communities across the state.”
The inaugural chair of the Victorian Music Industry Advisory Council Jaime Gough said he was honoured to be selected for the role.
“I look forward to working with fellow council members to provide sound advice to government at a pivotal time for the Victorian music industry,” Mr Gough said.
For more information: creative.vic.gov.au/news.
