Victoria's prized music industry will receive a massive boost with the Andrews Labor Government supporting music venues, musicians, businesses and workers to continue their road to recovery - sharing new music and live performances with audiences across the state.
Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson and Member for Albert Park Martin Foley today visited St Kilda's iconic Espy Hotel to announce funding for the venue alongside almost $8 million in grants targetting all levels of the industry.
More than 130 Victorian music businesses, artists and venues will share in grants totalling around $3 million, supporting nearly 5,000 jobs in the industry as part of the Victorian Music Industry Recovery Program.
Projects range from live events, such as indie promoter Penny Drop's 10-day series at Malthouse Outdoor, to livestream events from the likes of DJs Vinyl Vixens - and include new work by artists including Isaiah Firebrace, Ella Hooper and many more.
The grants will support businesses and venues to make events COVIDSafe, kick start the creation of new music, and deliver state-wide tours, business development opportunities and digital initiatives right across Victoria.
Some 68 music venues are being supported to recover and rebound with nearly $5 million injected into Victoria's iconic live music venues, as part of the final tranche of the Victorian Live Music Venues Program.
Supported venues included Melbourne's Cherry Bar, Revolver Upstairs and Section 8, as well as regional venues like Geelong's Barwon Club Hotel, Hepburn's Palais, Torquay Hotel, the Guilford Hotel and Bendigo's Golden Vine Hotel.
The Labor Government's support to help the industry recover continues with more than $2.5 million to support the next round of Music Works grants, which will open for applications in the coming weeks. This will include a dedicated stream to support live music activity in regional and outer-metropolitan Victoria.
The Government has worked closely with the industry since the onset of the pandemic - providing almost $25 million in dedicated support.
The full list of the latest funding recipients, as well as details on the upcoming Music Works round that opens on 20 January 2021, can be found at creative.vic.gov.au
As stated by Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson
"Our music industry creates and supports thousands of jobs - injecting millions into our economy. The programs will revive our music culture by supporting local businesses and workers, so they can continue to do what they do best."
As stated by Member for Albert Park Martin Foley
"This suite of funding will not only see revered venues like St Kilda's iconic Espy become gig ready, it will also pave the way for a long list of venues, music businesses and artists to return to work in COVIDSafe ways."
