Grants open to boost Victorian music industry

THE Victorian government has opened applications for new grants to support musicians, venues, and music workers, aiming to boost gigs, creative projects, and career development across the state.

The Music Works program is offering funding for projects including writing, recording, touring, and professional development. Since 2015, the program has invested nearly $13 million into more than 850 projects, supporting artists such as Amyl and the Sniffers, Alice Ivy, Alex Lahey, and KAIIT.

The 10,000 Gigs: Victorian Gig Fund will open on January 30, offering up to $11,000 for outer-metropolitan and regional venues to host up to 20 gigs by Victorian artists. The first round of the program supported nearly 1,000 gigs across the state.

Victoria is home to some of the country’s top live music talent, with many artists performing at events like the Queenscliff Music Festival, which drew more than 10,000 people to the Bellarine Peninsula for its 26th edition in November.

Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks said the grants would strengthen Victoria’s music scene.

“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,” Brooks said.

The government has also appointed a 14-member Victorian Music Industry Advisory Council, chaired by Concord Australia managing director Jaime Gough, to advise on challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

“I’m honoured to be selected to chair the Victorian Music Industry Advisory Council,” Mr Gough said.

“I look forward to working with fellow council members to provide sound advice to government at a pivotal time for the Victorian music industry.”

Applications for the Music Works program and 10,000 Gigs fund close in six weeks.

For more information, head to creative.vic.gov.au/news