The Andrews Labor Government is helping Victorian music ring out on the stage, on screen and in studios across the globe thanks to the latest round of grants through the Andrews' program.
Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley today announced $550,000 in grants through the Labor Government’s Music Works program to support a diverse range of music projects, stimulate the state’s music economy and create new employment and growth opportunities.
The grants are part of the Labor Government’s $22.2 million Music Works initiative and will provide support to local musicians, music industry professionals and industry organisations to create, develop and showcase Victorian contemporary music to audiences at home and abroad.
The latest round includes support for:
- Local indie artist Alex Lahey to tour the USA
- New albums by singer-songwriter Laura Imbruglia, folk duo Oh Pep!, alternative act RVG and the Mission Songs project, which revives Indigenous songs from the 20th century
- A program of activities to celebrate the 30th anniversary of youth music organisation The Push
- A documentary series that will showcase artists who have participated in Multicultural Arts Victoria’s music programs.
A range of professional, access and business development programs have also been supported, including the Girls Rock! Melbourne Camp for young female, trans, and gender diverse youth, as well as a skills development program by Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio to cover electronic music production and composition.
The City of Maribyrnong’s ground-breaking Bandmates program – which matches people with disability or mental health issues with volunteers to join them at gigs – received support, alongside grants to strengthen marketing activities for Grampians Music Festival, Gaytimes Festival and Aboriginal music festival NaranaFest.
The next round of Music Works Grants closes in February 2018 for projects starting from 1 June 2018.
For program details and to see a full list of the latest recipients, visit creative.vic.gov.au/news.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley
“This latest round of grants will boost our music economy, create opportunities for those who make music and those who work behind the scenes – strengthening our reputation as the heart of live music in Australia.”
“Through our ground-breaking Music Works initiative, we are investing in our music industry at all levels.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020