From venues undertaking soundproofing works to bands taking the stage at major international festivals ─ the latest round of the Andrews Labor Government Music Works grants continues the strong support of Victoria’s music scene.
More than $690,000 in funding will support 60 music projects ranging from international and regional tours to album recordings and professional development activities.
Among the recipients are singer-songwriter Kutcha Edwards supporting the recording of his new album, composer Meena Shamaly who will create a new video game soundtrack, and Ali Barter who will play at major festivals Bastille Sounds in Paris and Reeperbahn in Hamburg ahead of her second album.
Regionally-based artists and companies are also supported through the grants, with Clunes composer Thembi Soddell receiving funding for a residency at Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio, and Kyneton’s Woodstock Music getting funding for The Black Sorrows’ headline slot at the Nidaros Blues Festival in Norway.
Skills and business development projects have also been supported including Girls Rock!, a Castlemaine-based music program for female, trans and gender diverse youth, a pilot program by Barpirdhila Foundation to foster music career pathways for young First Peoples and a business evaluation program for Wrangler Studios.
Fourteen live music venues, including the iconic Corner Hotel in Richmond and Geelong’s Barwon Club Hotel have received support through the Good Music Neighbours category to help them minimise noise emissions and better manage their sound.
The Music Works initiative was launched in 2016 to support the growth and development of Victoria’s music industry.
In addition to grants, the initiative has also supported the establishment of The Australian Music Vault at Arts Centre Melbourne, the Victorian Music Development Office and the Music Market, a new hub for the music industry that will open at Collingwood Arts Precinct.
The 2019-20 Victorian Budget provided funding to continue the Music Works grants programs. For a full list of the latest Music Works grant recipients, visit creative.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley
“Our Music Works initiative has supported significant growth in the music industry. It has helped build sustainability in local music businesses, create new jobs and put our music on the world stage.”
“Other states and cities across the globe have since created programs inspired by Music Works, demonstrating Victoria’s reputation as a music leader.”
“The Andrews Labor Government values the role live music plays in our state and we look forward to continuing to back local talent and an industry that gives us so much.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020