Wednesday, 6 November 2024

POWERING UP LIVE MUSIC IN NORTHERN VICTORIA

The Allan Labor Government is making sure Victoria remains the live music capital of Australia, investing in gigs and festivals that light up our music industry in regional Victoria.

Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks today announced the live music venues, musicians and festivals in Northern Victoria that will share in a $3.9 million funding boost for the sector.

The first round of 10,000 Gigs: The Victorian Gig Fund will fund 144 venues across the state to stage paid gigs by local artists – giving venues a leg up and emerging artists the chance to perform live.

Live music venues awarded grants include iconic venues such as Church St Hotel in Wodonga, Vine Hotel in North Wangaratta, and The General in Mt Hotham.

Also part of the package is $1 million of Music Works grants that will support 92 music projects involving 600 music industry professionals, giving both emerging and established artists the opportunity to take the next step in their careers. Over the past 9 years, the program has invested almost $13 million in more than 800 projects.

This funding includes support for Wangaratta-based artist MOZË, to produce songs with emerging artists in Wangaratta and Brunswick, including the writing, recording and production of each song.

The Labor Government’s Live Music Festivals Fund will see 22 festivals in Victoria receiving grants of up to $50,000 to help them stage new or existing events.

The line up of supported festivals includes Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues, which took over 13 venues in Wangaratta and the region last weekend presenting a diverse mix of jazz and blues by big name acts and rising stars.

This festival has also been supported with a grant from Visit Victoria’s $38 million Regional Events Fund, which helps regional communities across the state put on events that attract visitors from far and wide – creating jobs and supporting local business.

Multicultural Arts Victoria will present its third iteration of its NEWPRINT program, offering professional development opportunities for artists and creative workers from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Victoria's live music industry is one of the state's most vital creative sectors, and this boost will support the jobs of event organisers, artists, venue owners, staff, and crews. This investment ensures that Victoria remains Australia's music heartland, with festivals that not only entertain but also sustain our creative workforce.

The first rounds of the Live Music Festivals Fund and Victorian Gig Fund are being delivered by Music Victoria on behalf of the Labor Government. These latest grants are part of a $35.4 million package delivered in the Victorian Budget 2023/24 to support Victoria’s live music industry at all levels and in all parts of the state.

For a full list of recipients visit creative.vic.gov.au/news/2025/powering-up-victorias-world-famous-live-music-industry.

Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“We’re continuing to back our state’s live music industry at all levels with funding for festivals and venues to stage great events and live performances - supporting established artists and industry workers, and helping emerging musicians get their start in the industry.”

“While the live music sector continues to face challenges across the country, this investment will help strengthen our local industry – a vital creative sector for our state.”

“This vital investment is a testament to the incredible musical talent in Northern Victoria, ensuring local artists and venues continue to thrive and share their passion for music with audiences across Victoria.”

“It’s great to see the Victorian Government continuing to champion local musical talent, showcasing original contemporary music from Victoria in live music venues across the state, alongside international acts at festivals, and supporting Victorian artists as they tour nationally and internationally. It will be hard to be in Victoria and not experience the direct benefits of such an investment.”