Victorian Gig Fund to support 136 venues across the state

The Victorian Government has announced a $3 million boost for musicians, bands, venues and festivals designed to strengthen the industry and the jobs and communities it supports.

The latest round of 10,000 Gigs: The Victorian Gig Fund will fund 136 venues across the state to stage paid gigs by local artists.

Music Victoria Chief Executive Fiona Duncan shared "Music Victoria welcomes the Victorian Government's continued investment in the state's live music festival sector through the Live Music Festivals Fund - backing the industry to thrive into the future.

"This support plays a crucial role in sustaining a vibrant and diverse festival landscape, creating opportunities for Victorian artists and creative workers, and delivering significant cultural and economic benefits to communities across the state."

Recipients include the iconic pubs, clubs and bandrooms that make Victoria great - like the Wesley Anne, Howler and The Tote - alongside unexpected spaces including Echuca Aquatic Reserve and Coal Creek Community Park & Museum.

The Live Music Festivals Fund will support 11 festivals across the state with grants of up to $50,000 to help put on new or existing events.

These include LGBTQIA festival Gaytimes, Castlemaine's Town Folk Festival, Phillip Island's Ocean Sounds, Queenscliff Music Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival and Riverboats Music Festival.

Music Works will provide more than $940,000 worth of grants, backing the careers of emerging and established artists, supporting them to create new music, tour and reach new audiences.

Among the 81 recipients are Warrnambool's Find Your Voice Collective and musician and disability advocate Eliza Hull.

In addition, more artists will have opportunities to develop their careers through Multicultural Arts Victoria's NEWPRINT program, which is designed to support artists, producers and creative workers from culturally and linguistically diverse communities to break into the music industry and take their careers to the next level.

Live music plays a crucial role in Victoria's creative sector, while driving jobs and the economy. This latest package will support not only the musicians on stage, but the crews behind them, as well as venue owners, hospitality staff and local businesses.

Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks notes "we're backing our artists, venues and festivals to continue delivering the incredible music, performances and events that form part of our cultural fabric and make us the music capital of Australia.

"We're ensuring our live music scene takes centre stage, while supporting jobs in this important part of our $41 billion creative economy."

The grants are part of a $35.4 million package announced in the Victorian Budget 2023/24 to support Victoria's music industry at all levels, and in all parts of the state. For a full list of recipients visit creative.vic.gov.au.

Image. Among the 81 recipients are Warrnambool's Find Your Voice Collective Credit: Find your Voice Collective