Legendary Melbourne music venues including The Tote, Wesley Anne, Howler and Cherry Bar secure major government support.
A financial boon for many of the most legendary music venues in Melbourne, Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks yesterday announced the $3 million funding package at Dogs Bar in St Kilda.
The 10,000 Gigs: The Victorian Gig Fund represents the largest component of this investment. Moreover, this programme will fund 136 venues across Victoria to stage paid performances by local artists.
Consequently, these legendary Melbourne venues can continue providing platforms for emerging and established musicians while maintaining their cultural significance.
Victorian government funding breakdown
- 10,000 Gigs: The Victorian Gig Fund supports 136 venues statewide
- Live Music Festivals Fund backs 11 festivals with grants up to $50,000
- Music Works provides over $940,000 for 81 emerging and established artists
- NEWPRINT programme supports culturally diverse musicians entering the industry
Melbourne Music Venues
- Full list of recipients here
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Meanwhile, the Live Music Festivals Fund will support 11 festivals across Victoria. Therefore, events like LGBTQIA festival Gaytimes, Castlemaine’s Town Folk Festival and Phillip Island’s Ocean Sounds will receive grants up to $50,000. Similarly, established festivals including Queenscliff Music Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival and Riverboats Music Festival will benefit from this funding.
Music Works will distribute more than $940,000 worth of grants to artists. Specifically, this programme backs careers of emerging and established musicians. As a result, 81 recipients including Warrnambool’s Find Your Voice Collective and musician Eliza Hull will receive support. Subsequently, these artists can create new music, tour and reach broader audiences.
Melbourne’s live music venues have shaped the city’s cultural identity for decades. Nevertheless, these iconic spaces also drive significant economic activity across the metropolitan area. Therefore, this funding package supports not only performers but also crews, venue owners, hospitality staff and local businesses.
The grants form part of a $35.4 million package announced in the Victorian Budget 2023/24. Consequently, this comprehensive support targets Victoria’s music industry at all levels across all regions.
Melbourne’s live music scene continues to thrive with government backing. Therefore, local artists and Melbourne music venues can build sustainable careers while contributing to their communities. Additionally, this investment aims to ensure Melbourne maintains its position as Australia’s live music capital.
For more information, head here.
