MELBOURNE, Australia – The Allan Labor Government in Victoria, Australia, has announced a significant A$3 million investment aimed at revitalizing and strengthening the state’s vital live music industry. The funding boost, revealed by Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks at the iconic Dogs Bar in St Kilda, is set to support a wide array of venues, artists, and festivals across Victoria, underscoring the government’s commitment to a sector crucial for jobs, cultural vitality, and community engagement.
The comprehensive package is designed to address key areas of the live music ecosystem, providing direct financial assistance through established and new funding streams. This initiative is poised to enhance the sustainability of music venues, create paid opportunities for local performers, and ensure the continuation and growth of beloved festivals.
Empowering Venues and Artists Through ‘10,000 Gigs’
A substantial portion of the newly announced funding originates from the latest round of the 10,000 Gigs: The Victorian Gig Fund. This program, a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to inject life back into local music circuits, will channel support to 136 venues located throughout Victoria. The funding is specifically earmarked to enable these venues to stage paid performances by local artists, directly stimulating employment for musicians and technical staff while providing audiences with accessible live music experiences. The initiative not only supports artists financially but also helps venues cover the costs associated with hosting performances, from sound engineers to promotional efforts, fostering a more robust and active gig circuit.
This targeted support for venues acknowledges their critical role as platforms for artistic expression and community gathering. By subsidizing the cost of booking local acts, the government aims to increase the frequency and diversity of live music events across both metropolitan and regional areas, solidifying Victoria’s reputation as Australia’s live music capital.
Supporting Victoria’s Vibrant Festival Landscape
The investment package also includes dedicated support for the state’s diverse festival scene through the Live Music Festivals Fund. This fund will provide grants of up to A$50,000 to 11 festivals across Victoria. Festivals are economic drivers and cultural highlights for the communities in which they are held, attracting tourism and showcasing a wide range of musical talent.
The festivals receiving support in this round represent a mix of genres and geographical locations, reflecting the breadth of Victoria’s cultural offerings. Notable recipients include Gaytimes, the arts and music festival celebrating LGBTQ+ culture; Town Folk Festival, known for its intimate acoustic performances; Ocean Sounds, set against scenic coastal backdrops; the long-running and highly respected Queenscliff Music Festival; the internationally renowned Port Fairy Folk Festival; and the charming Riverboats Music Festival, held annually on the banks of the Murray River in Echuca. These grants are crucial for festival organisers to manage production costs, book artists, and ensure the viability of these important annual events.
Investing in Artist Career Development
Recognizing that a thriving music industry depends on the development of its talent, the funding announcement also detailed support channelled through the Music Works program. This initiative is designed to provide direct grants to emerging and established artists, helping them to advance their careers and expand their reach.
Under this latest funding round, the Music Works program will distribute over A$940,000 in grants to a total of 81 recipients. The grants will support a variety of activities essential for artist growth, including career development, the creation of new music, touring opportunities, and strategies to expand audience reach. Among the artists and groups receiving funding are Warrnambool’s Find Your Voice Collective, an inclusive arts program, and acclaimed artist Eliza Hull, known for her advocacy and musical work. This investment underscores the government’s commitment to nurturing the creative talent pool that forms the foundation of the live music sector.
Industry Reception
The announcement has been met with positive reactions from industry stakeholders. Music Victoria CEO Fiona Duncan praised the continued investment, highlighting its critical role in sustaining the state’s renowned festival landscape and generating essential opportunities for artists and the broader creative workforce. “This sustained support is absolutely vital for the health of our industry,” Ms. Duncan stated, emphasizing how the funding ripples through the ecosystem, benefiting not just musicians but also technicians, managers, promoters, and venue staff.
Conclusion
The A$3 million investment by the Allan Labor Government represents a significant injection into Victoria’s live music industry, a sector hit hard by recent challenges but essential to the state’s identity and economy. By targeting support towards venues, festivals, and individual artists through programs like the 10,000 Gigs, the Live Music Festivals Fund, and Music Works, the government aims to foster a resilient and dynamic live music scene that continues to provide cultural enrichment, create jobs, and contribute to vibrant communities across Victoria.
