The Andrews Labor Government is backing Victoria’s music sector to do what it does best, make great music and deliver iconic events while supporting jobs for thousands of people across the industry.
Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos today announced the Labor Government will invest $11 million for much-loved Victorian music festivals, businesses, musicians and bands, supporting more jobs while delivering the events and experiences Victorians love.
Iconic music festivals including Meredith and Golden Plains, Queenscliff Music Festival and Beyond The Valley, are among 13 events that will be supported through the Live Music Restart – Festivals and Events program.
As well as setting the stage for memorable gigs, this investment will support vital employment opportunities for Victorian artists, tech crews and industry workers, as well as sectors such as security, hospitality and tourism.
A further 64 music projects will get off the ground thanks to the latest round of the Music Works program – around 1,500 Victorian music industry professionals will benefit from this support.
Recipients include The Cat Empire for the recording and release of a new album, indie favourite Julia Jacklin who will undertake a European tour, Noongar artist Bumpy to record her debut EP and Melbourne singer BATTS who will record and produce her third album.
Music Works will support music businesses like Thornbury’s Blossom Rot Records to release new music from three different artists, while the Archie Roach Foundation will use its grant to support up and coming First Peoples artists to perform at the Port Fairy Folk Festival.
The On The Road Again program will also see even more live music events hit neighbourhoods across metropolitan Melbourne with six new projects to feature an array of local talent.
Youth music organisation The Push will stage a massive All Ages Metropolitan tour across seven metro councils from Banyule to Bayside, while Darebin’s High Street will be the backdrop for The Eighty-Six, a new festival celebrating live music culture in one of Melbourne’s most vibrant music precincts.
Since the beginning of 2020, the Labor Government has provided more than $85 million in dedicated support for the music sector. For a full list of the latest funding recipients, visit .
As stated by Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos
“From powering our night-time economy to drawing thousands of visitors to the state, our live music industry contributes more than culture – it’s about jobs and businesses and we’re backing it all the way.”
“Only Labor will continue to deliver the opportunities Victoria’s creatives, artists and performers need, while supporting the teams that support them.”
As stated by Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous
“Northcote is a hotbed of live music talent and we’re backing our local musicians, bands and businesses to do what they do best – fill venues, create jobs and put on the epic gigs Victoria is known for.”
As stated by Aunty Meredith, Meredith Music Festival and Golden Plains
“This grant not only supports creative artists, but a multitude of skilled workers and small businesses that combine to bring a festival to life. As Meredith and Golden Plains prepare to return after a two year hiatus, the funding is vitally important to the ongoing sustainability of both events.”
As stated by Felix Riebl, The Cat Empire
“This grant will allow The Cat Empire to record a brand new album in Victoria, employing over 30 Victorian creatives across the arts industries. It will be the first album for the new era of The Cat Empire fronted by myself and Ollie McGill and will be toured globally in 2023.”
