Victorian Government injects $3.9m into Australian music industry

The Allan Labor Government is doubling down on Victoria’s reputation as Australia’s live music heartland, announcing a $3.9 million investment into festivals, gigs, and artist development across the state. This funding is set to breathe new life into Victoria’s vibrant music scene, ensuring it continues to thrive and support artists at all levels.

Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks revealed the initiative today, confirming the funding will be distributed to a broad range of beneficiaries, from live music venues to emerging regional talent, culturally and linguistically diverse artists, event producers, and young performers.

Leading the charge is the first round of the 10,000 Gigs: The Victorian Gig Fund, which will enable 144 venues across Victoria to stage paid performances featuring local talent. This funding will not only give venues a much-needed lift but also provide emerging musicians with vital opportunities to perform live and build their careers.

The package also includes a $1 million boost to the Music Works grants, supporting 92 music projects and engaging over 600 industry professionals. Designed to help both established and emerging artists take the next step in their careers, this program has already proven successful, investing nearly $13 million into more than 800 projects over the past nine years.

Iconic Melbourne venues such as The Tote, The Jazzlab, and Laundry will receive grants, alongside regional hubs like Ballarat’s Volta, Theatre Royal in Castlemaine, and the Barwon Heads Hotel. Suburban venues like District 14 in Narre Warren are also included, showcasing the government’s commitment to supporting live music across the entire state.

In addition to gig venues, 22 festivals will benefit from the Labor Government’s Live Music Festivals Fund, with grants of up to $50,000 awarded to help stage both new and established events. Fan favourites such as the Port Fairy Folk Festival, Queenscliff Music Festival, and Riverboats Festival are among the recipients, along with the return of the much-loved Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues.

New festivals like GROUNDED at Dookie Quarry and the queer-focused Yass Queens Park in Moonee Ponds are also part of the diverse festival line-up. These events promise to deliver unique experiences while providing platforms for artists and performers from all backgrounds.

The funding doesn’t stop there. Programs like the GRID Series in Geelong will return for a second year, offering critical artist development for local talent, while The Push All Ages Grants will support venues, booking agents, artists, promoters, and community organisations in staging all-ages gigs across Victoria.

In a continued effort to champion diversity, Multicultural Arts Victoria will roll out the third edition of its NEWPRINT program, providing professional development opportunities for artists from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Victoria’s live music industry is a cornerstone of the state’s creative sector, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing to its cultural vibrancy. This substantial investment will fuel the state’s creative economy, ensuring that festivals and gigs not only entertain but also sustain a workforce of artists, venue owners, event organisers, and support crews.

These grants are part of a broader $35.4 million package allocated in the Victorian Budget 2023/24, designed to bolster the live music industry at every level, across every corner of the state. Administered by Music Victoria, the funding reflects a strong commitment from the Labor Government to secure Victoria’s place as the live music capital of Australia.