Victorian musicians, bands, music festivals, venues and industry events will share in more than $700,000 as the Victorian Government’s Music Works program continues to boost the local industry and the state’s reputation as Australia’s live music heartland.
Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley joined the crowd at The Age Music Victoria Awards 2016 to make the announcement and celebrate a year of success for local contemporary music.
The latest funding – part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $12.2 million Music Works commitment – comprises:
- $604,078 for 46 projects through the inaugural round of the new Music Works Grants program
- $50,000 to support the 2015 industry development conference, Face the Music, which will be held in Melbourne from 13-14 November
- $50,000 to support a new partnership with Sounds Australia to increase export opportunities for Victorian musicians. The funding will support Victorian musicians and industry workers to participate in Sounds Australia programs in 2016, including professional development events and international showcase opportunities.
Music Works Grants provide grassroots support for local talent, including regional tours, debut albums, international showcases and professional development. The supported projects span all genres of contemporary music and involve musicians and bands such as hip hop artist Philly, punk outfit Deaf Wish, alternative pop artist Olympia, the Milk Records collective and indie rock act Art of Fighting. The projects also include support for festivals, independent record labels, online music business training and music media programs.
The Music Works Grants program aims to support Victoria’s contemporary music industry to create new content, build capacity and business skills and connect Victorian music to markets, both locally and across the globe. The next major funding round, for activities starting after 1 May 2016, will open in January and close at 5pm, 10 February, 2016.
A full list of projects supported through the Music Works Grants program is available at
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley
“Our unprecedented $12.2m Music Works package shows the Andrews Labor Government’s commitment to contemporary music and recognition of how important music is to our social, cultural and economic life, and to our creative industries, here in Victoria.”
“Since announcing the package in May, we’ve been working closely with the industry to determine the best ways to support and foster industry growth. These latest initiatives provide support for the industry at all levels – from artists to managers, festivals to conferences, media organisations and crucial market development opportunities.”
“I look forward to seeing - and hearing - these projects as they come to fruition, and to rolling out more Music Works initiatives down the track.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020