Victoria’s music festivals and events to receive $8 million boost

Victoria’s calendar of music festivals and events is to receive an $8 million boost as part of the Live Music Restart Program - Festivals & Events funding initiative, which supports the cost of planning and delivering an established music festival or series of events for crowds of more than 3000 people.

Organisers of large live music events and festivals can apply for grants of between $250,000 and $1 million, with eligible businesses to be registered in Victoria and events held within the state.

Australian Festivals Association Managing Director Julia Robinson welcomed the grants adding “after over two years of disruptions, this much-needed support will ensure summer sees the return of Victoria’s favourite festivals.”

While setting the stage for some of the most memorable live music gigs, festivals also provide vital employment opportunities for Victorian artists, tech crews and industry workers – as well as significant benefits to connected sectors such as security, hospitality and tourism.

As the local music sector continues to bounce back from the impact of the pandemic, the program will prioritise events that create opportunities for Victorian musicians and deliver wider benefits to Victorian businesses and communities.

Designed to assist Victoria’s music festivals and events to become more accessible, the program encourages applicants to make their events more inclusive of deaf and disabled artists, workers and audiences.

Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos notes “Music Festivals are a vital part of Victoria’s famous live music scene and this investment provides essential funding for organisers to continue delivering world-class events.”

Applications close 3pm, 18th August 2022. For more information, visit creative.vic.gov.au/grants-and-support/programs.