Applications are now open for Good Music Neighbours – the Victorian Government’s program to help Victoria’s live music venues be better neighbours by managing the sound that goes to their local neighbourhoods.
Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley has opened the latest round of the program, which provides music venues with matched funding of up to $25,000 for noise management projects.
“Our venues are the homeground for new and emerging bands and performers,” said Minister Foley. “This is about supporting venues to support our musicians. Part of maintaining a vibrant music culture is helping venues fix the challenges they face, like noise complaints from neighbouring residents and businesses.”
To date, the program has supported more than 80 venues across Victoria, from iconic music hotspots like The Corner, The Espy and The Tote Hotel in the inner city, to outer-metro and regional venues from Mornington to Ballarat – as well as helping venues to host live music events and programs for the first time.
Part of the Government’s $22.2 million Music Works initiative, the program has allowed venues to host more gigs to bigger audiences and increase revenue, while ensuring they uphold local noise laws and regulations.
Eligible sound management projects could include installing acoustic insulation or heavy drapes, double-glazing windows, creating air lock entrances or hiring an acoustic consultant. More than 17 million people soaked up one or more of the 73,000 live music gigs in Victoria in 2017 alone, compared to 62,000 in 2012.
The Government announced last year that Victoria will also stage a huge new music festival, Victoria Live, across the CBD, the suburbs and regional Victoria – kicking off in winter 2020. Victoria Live will showcase the best the Creative State has to offer, with free and ticketed events ranging from music to workshops and talks, great local food, wine and craft beer.
Applications for this round of the Good Music Neighbours program is now open to venues across Victoria and closes on Thursday 7 March 2019. For more information, including full guidelines and application tips, visit: www.creative.vic.gov.au for details.