Melbourne Music Week to return in December 2021

Melbourne Music Week is scheduled to run from 3rd to 12th December 2021 with the City of Melbourne calling for musicians, venues and promoters to take part in this year’s 10-day event.

Supported by the Transport Accident Commission and Ticketek, Melbourne Music Week’s line-up for 2021 will be designed to celebrate Victoria's best artists and creative talent.

This years' program is being delivered as part of the City of Melbourne's $21.5 million commitment to events.

Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the much-anticipated event celebrates Melbourne's live music scene, creates jobs, supports local talent and brings thousands of music-lovers into hospitality venues.

Lord Mayor Capp notes "Melbourne is renowned for its incredible live music scene, people love it and we are looking forward to bringing back the buzz through melody this December.

"Before the pandemic, live music contributed roughly $1.7 billion to Victoria's economy and created 42,000 jobs every year, so it's vital to our economic recovery.

"More people back in the city and in our venues means more jobs, a boost to businesses, and a thriving Melbourne."

The extended Melbourne Music Week program that kicked off in late 2020 attracted 72,000 attendees and delivered a $5.8 million boost to the local economy.

City Activation portfolio lead Councillor Roshena Campbell said Melbourne Music Week will help the vibrant music scene as it finds its feet.

Campbell added "the music industry has been one the most impacted by the pandemic, with lockdowns, venue capacity limits and ongoing travel restrictions.

"Now more than ever it's important that we support local artists, venues, promoters and businesses in every way we can."

Creative Melbourne portfolio lead, Councillor Jamal Hakim, said the creative industry is what makes Melbourne unique and advised "COVID-19 has continued to disrupt the live music scene, but I'm confident that through events like Melbourne Music Week we can get our creative industry buzzing again.

"Melbourne Music Week is one of our city's great traditions and with a focus on local talent this year will be extra special."

Expressions of interest are open for music industry practitioners, individuals, groups, businesses and venues for a mix of events, including performances, collaborations, workshops, multimedia installations and commissioned works.

Applications will be judged on the specific requirements needed to produce the event or commissioned works. Where required, the City of Melbourne will assist with permitting, staging and AV, production and operations.

Artists can express their interest in participating until 5pm on 11th August 2021 via the Melbourne Music Week website.