The Andrews Labor Government is supercharging Victoria’s live music industry and delivering more jobs, by supporting businesses across the state to deliver the music festivals and events that Victorians love.
Announced on Friday via the Victorian Government, Victoria’s world-renowned calendar of music festivals and events will get an $8 million boost as part of the Live Music Restart Program – Festivals & Events funding initiative, which supports the cost of planning and delivering an established music festival or series of events for crowds of more than 3000 people.
Organisers of large live music events and festivals can apply for grants of between $250,000 and $1 million, with eligible businesses to be registered in Victoria and events held within the state.
The key takeaways
- The Live Music Restart Program – Festivals & Events provides funding to established and dedicated festival and events organisers across the state
- Grants of between $250,000 and $1,000,000 to support the cost of planning and delivery of a single live music festival or event; or a series of live music festivals or events are available
- Priority will be given to supporting live music festivals and events that will most significantly support Victoria musicians and communities
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
While setting the stage for some of the most memorable live music gigs, we know all too well that festivals also provide vital employment opportunities for Victorian artists, tech crews and industry workers – as well as significant benefits to connected sectors such as security, hospitality and tourism.
With that in mind, this program aims to support the re-establishment of Victoria’s position as a world-leading state for contemporary music through supporting the rebuild of sector (employment, supply chains, etc) following the impacts of COVID-19 health restrictions; stimulating local economic activity across Victoria; re-engaging audiences with live music events in metropolitan and regional Victoria; providing opportunities for artists to play shows, earn income and reconnect with audiences; and providing employment to businesses within the live music ecosystem.
As the local music sector continues to bounce back from the impact of the pandemic, the Live Music Restart Program will prioritise festivals and events that create opportunities for Victorian musicians and deliver wider benefits to Victorian businesses and communities.
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Designed to assist Victoria’s iconic music festivals and events to become more accessible, the program encourages applicants to make their events more inclusive of deaf and disabled artists, workers and audiences.
“Music Festivals are a vital part of Victoria’s famous live music scene and this investment provides essential funding for organisers to continue delivering world-class events,” says Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos.
“We’re supporting the businesses that deliver the experiences Victorians love, while creating jobs and economic benefits that extend right across the state.”
Live Music Restart Program – Festivals & Events is part of the Labor Government’s ongoing investment in the recovery of the state’s music industry, building on more than $1 billion in support to the creative sector since the start of the pandemic.
Applications are now open and close 3pm, 18 August 2022. For more information, head here.
