The Victorian music industry is set to receive a significant boost with the announcement of new government grants aimed at supporting musicians, venues, and music workers. These grants, part of the Music Works program, are designed to enhance live music opportunities, creative projects, and career advancement throughout the state.
Since its inception in 2015, the Music Works program has allocated close to $13 million to over 850 projects, benefiting notable artists like Amyl and the Sniffers, Alice Ivy, Alex Lahey, and KAIIT. The program covers a range of initiatives including songwriting, recording, touring, and professional growth, nurturing a vibrant music ecosystem in Victoria.
A key component of this initiative is the 10,000 Gigs: Victorian Gig Fund, which will kick off on January 30. This fund will provide financial support of up to $11,000 to outer-metropolitan and regional venues to host gigs featuring Victorian artists. The previous round of funding facilitated nearly 1,000 gigs across the state, showcasing the diverse musical talent that Victoria has to offer.
Victoria boasts a rich pool of live music talent, with artists frequently gracing renowned events such as the Queenscliff Music Festival, which attracted over 10,000 attendees to the Bellarine Peninsula for its 26th edition in November. Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks emphasized that these grants are instrumental in fortifying Victoria’s music landscape, fostering growth, and generating local employment opportunities within the industry.
To further support and guide the music sector, the government has established the Victorian Music Industry Advisory Council. Chaired by Jaime Gough, managing director of Concord Australia, the council comprises 14 members tasked with providing strategic advice on industry challenges and opportunities. Mr. Gough expressed his eagerness to collaborate with council members in advising the government during this critical juncture for the Victorian music industry.
Applications for both the Music Works program and the 10,000 Gigs fund are open for the next six weeks. Interested parties can find more details on how to apply on the official website of Creative Victoria. These initiatives signify the government’s commitment to nurturing artistic talent, fostering creativity, and bolstering the state’s reputation as a hub for musical innovation and expression.