BACKING GIGS AND MUSICIANS IN MACEDON
The Allan Labor Government is backing local musicians, venues and festivals and keeping jobs and the economy pumping in the live music capital of Australia.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas today announced the local musicians, bands, venues and festivals that will benefit from a $3 million boost 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.
Recipients include the iconic pubs, clubs and band rooms that make Macedon great:
• Wombat Forest Vineyard in Denver
• Newham Mechanics Institute
• The Lancefield Hotel
• Mount Macedon Hotel
• The 1860 Hotel (Evans Bar) in Romsey
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.
Music Works will also 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.
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.
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.
Quote attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
“Congratulations to our amazing recipients. Macedon is a hub for live music with iconic venues. This investment will help keep that local energy alive, while supporting local artists and businesses.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks
“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.”
