Hello Forte readers,
Well, the massive news we’re celebrating is that the Federal Government is committing over $30 million in Australian music funding as part of the upcoming budget. This will include $22.5m for live music grants for small businesses, $2.7m for indigenous contemporary music, $2.1m for a women in music mentorship program, $2m to the Australia Council to increase performance opportunities, and $1.6m for the expansion of Sounds Australia in order for them to capitalise on emerging Asian markets.
The VMDO team has also recently returned from Austin, Texas having attended SXSW 2019, the premier global conference for music, film and interactive media. VMDO and Global Victoria presented a day-long celebration of the best in Melbourne music, tech and film at Melbourne Hub. The calibre of Victorian artists showcasing at SXSW this year was nothing short of outstanding. The Chicago Tribute highlighted Mojo Juju as one of the 12 best up-and-coming bands and artists at SXSW, NME named Amyl and the Sniffers ‘one of the planet’s most explosive new bands’ and Angie McMahon took out the prestigious Grulke Prize for best developing (non-U.S.) act.
In other news, we’re so excited to have officially kicked-off Cultivate (our new women’s leadership program) last Wednesday! It was an amazing full-day workshop at The Corner Hotel including inspirational talks, and hosted by Australian music industry veteran, Leanne de Souza. You can read more at musicvictoria.com.au/news and see a full list of this year’s participants and mentors.
Till next time,
Patrick Donovan (Music Victoria CEO)
Member Moment
Geelong Arena
The Geelong Arena is the region’s largest multi-use Sports and Entertainment venue hosting a wide variety of community, sport and entertainment events all year round. The venue has hosted diverse acts such as Human Nature, Amity Affliction, RUFUS, Suzi Quatro, Reece Mastin, Jessica Mauboy, Justice Crew and more! They’ve got plenty of parking and they’re a mere stones throw from North Geelong Train Station, which is convenient for out of town and local visitors. Check their upcoming concerts here: https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/
Gig of the month
Boogie Festival at Our Friends Farm, Tallarook
Friday April 19 – Sunday April 21 2019
Now in its thirteenth year, Boogie is a boutique camping festival in beautiful Tallarook, showcasing a diverse range of some of the best contemporary music Australia and the world has to offer. For three days and two nights you can enjoy the sounds of Kurt Vile & the Violators, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Magic Dirt, Loose Tooth and many more. This festival is also family-friendly with cheaper tickets available for 8-15 year olds. Find out more information on Boogie Festival or book tix at boogie.net.au