This State We're In #696

G’day Forte faithful,
What’s been happening in your world?! We’ve had a busy month of advocacy on behalf of you all – our Victorian music community.
Last week, CEO Patrick Donovan was invited by the NSW Legislative Council to appear as a witness to give evidence at its inquiry into the music and arts economy in NSW. At the hearing, Paddy presented the Victorian Live Music 10 Point Plan (this one goes to 11…), which outlines a range of initiatives the Victorian music industry has developed and put in place, in partnership with local and state government, resulting in Victoria boasting one of the most dynamic and vibrant music scenes in the world. There was great interest in the plan, and the related initiatives include Victoria’s Live Music Roundtable, the Agent of Change planning law, proactive partnerships with local government, and incredible outcomes from our world leading Music Works initiative and programs, such as Live Music Professionals, Good Music Neighbours and the Victorian Music Crawl (thanks, Victorian Government!).
We needs a strong NSW, and national, live music sector so our artists can regularly tour interstate. We hope the NSW Government wisely invests in its industry so it can return some of the amazing cultural and economic outcomes seen here in Vic.
The latest legislation passed with the help of industry support and advocacy by Music Victoria is the new Major Events Act 2009 (Vic), which will protect festival goers against inflated ticket resale prices and scalpers. Multi The Age Music Victoria Awards winner Meredith Music Festival is the first music event to be declared a major event (nice one). Under the legislation, it is illegal to re-sell tickets to a declared major event for more than 10 per cent above the original value. We hope you scored in the ticket ballot this year, it is another fantastic line-up.
For more information on this initiative, click here.
On 29 and 30 August, Live Music Professionals will be bunkering down in Ballarat for a two-day live music conference. The conference will see the 20 program participants, including representatives from The Eastern (Ballarat), Grampians Music Festival, Macedon Ranges Music Festival, The Dart and Marlin (Warrnambool), and more connect with music industry coaches and workshop hosts from businesses such as Boogie Festival, ALH Group, Karova Lounge (Ballarat), and Corner Hotel.
Finally, submissions are NOW OPEN for artist, venue and festival categories in The Age Music Victoria Awards 2018. Tweaked slightly to maximise inclusivity, diversity, and participation, if you are an artist with at least 50% of members from regional or outer suburban Victoria, make sure you nominate. We can’t wait to see the final lists of nominations, and find out the winners in November 2018.
Catch you on the d-floor,
Coops, Paddy, Sarah & the Music Vic Crew
Member Moment
Beechworth Music Festival – January 2019
We are stoked to welcome the Beechworth Music Festival as one of our newest members. Not only does BMF continue to come up with amazing line-ups each year, but it has recently announced its exciting program The BMF Rock School will be part of Victorian Government initiative Pick My Project, supporting local young artists to become rock stars of the future. If you haven’t been to Beechworth, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! It’s on again in January 2019.
Gig of the month
Bendigo Live – White Night Bendigo Band Showcase – Saturday 1 September 2018
Featuring: Jumbo Mavis, KIAN, Eliza Hull, Jack and The Kids, Evangeline, The Sherri Parry Band and Pat Devlin. A showcase of live music, Bendigo Live features a diverse line-up of live bands and performers throughout White Night Bendigo. Whatever your tastes, there’s something for you at the main stage on the corner of View Street and Pall Mall. You can dance and wander until the wee hours – SO much fun…