‘So desperately needed’: Victorian government announces $10 million in funding for festivals and live music venues

The Victorian government has announced $10 million in funding via the Live Music Festivals Fund and 10,000 Gigs: The Victorian Gig Fund.

Victoria’s live music scene will get a $10 million boost over four years with the launch of two new funding programs: Live Music Festivals Fund and 10,000 Gigs: The Victorian Gig Fund, supporting music festivals and venues while providing more paid gigs for local musicians.

The programs, delivered by Music Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government, will create more paid opportunities for local artists, from those just starting out to established acts, and give Victorian music lovers the chance to see more great local live music. At least 25 per cent of funding in both programs will go to music festivals and live music venues in regional Victoria.

New funding programs for live music

• Two new funding programs providing $10 million over four years
• Grants of up to $50,000 to established festival organisers
• Live music venues can apply for up to $10,000 a year towards artist fees

Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

“During a period of change for Australia’s live music industry, we are backing Victorian festivals and venues through these new programs – supporting the businesses that are the backbone of Australia’s live music heartland,” Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks said.

“With pressure continuing to mount on all sides, these initiatives are so desperately needed,” Music Victoria CEO Simone Schinkel added. “Music Victoria is delighted to be the delivery partner, ensuring that even more dollars can make it directly into the industry and quickly, for the benefit of all Victorians.”

Live Music Festivals Fund

 

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The Live Music Festivals Fund will provide grants of up to $50,000 to established Victorian festival organisers to support them to stage new or existing events.

Live Music Festivals Fund is an initiative of the Victoria Government, made possible by the Community Support Fund and Creative Victoria, delivered by Music Victoria.

The Victorian Gig Fund

The Victorian Gig Fund is part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to back 10,000 live music gigs across state in the next four years. Established Victorian live music venues can apply for up to $10,000 a year to go towards Victorian artists’ fees for gigs at their venues.

Music Victoria is delivering the Victorian Gig Fund as part of the Victorian Government’s 10,000 Gigs initiative. Applications for the Live Music Festivals Fund and The Victorian Gig Fund will open on Monday 22 April at 10am AEST and close on Friday 17 May at 2pm AEST.

Find more information and sign-up here.

Words by Staff Writer