The Andrews Labor Government is supporting the states musicians, bands and music organisations, with a new round of grants to develop Victorian talent and bring them to audiences across Victoria and the world.
Running since 2015, the Music Works grants program has allocated over $10 million to more than 700 projects, supporting the careers of local musicians and projects that have shaped Victoria’s music landscape.
Applications are now open for the program with grants of between $4,000 and $40,000 available for a range of specialisations, including recording and releasing new music, presenting music events, marketing and business development.
The program has seen new crop of celebrated Victorian acts take their music across the world, including Julia Jacklin, RVG, The Teskey Brothers and Amyl and the Sniffers.
Music Works grants have also supported projects that inspire and skill up the next generation of Victorian talent, including Amplified Victoria’s Girls Rock programs, 3CR-led audio-engineering masterclasses and the Archie Roach Foundation’s Singing Our Futures First Nations music mentoring program.
Most recently, the Music Works grants program delivered $1.68 million in February 2022 to support 77 projects involving around 7,000 music industry professionals across Victoria.
From supporting Bendigo-based label Endless Records, to backing new projects by Alice Skye and international tours for the likes of The Stroppies and Alice Ivy – the funding round reflected the diverse and exciting ways the Victorian music industry is getting back on its feet and re-engaging music lovers.
The Music Works initiative was extended in the Victorian Budget 2021/22 with $10.8 million over four years.
Applications for the new round of Music Works grants close at 3pm on Thursday, 30 June. For more information or to apply, visit creative.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson
“Victoria continues to be a rich proving ground for Australia’s best music talent, we’re backing our local artists by investing in the rising stars and creative trailblazers who power Victoria’s global reputation as a hotbed for music.”
“With our bandrooms pumping, artists hitting the road, and punters getting out to enjoy local live music, this next round of Music Works will help our music scene continue to grow, evolve and excel.”
Reviewed 01 June 2022