The Victorian Government is making sure more emerging musicians and artists from across Victoria can achieve their career dreams, with new grants supporting new music talent and backing more local music acts.
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks has announced applications for the latest round of the Government’s Music Works grants program will open on Thursday 14 March – making it possible for musicians to build their national and international profile and boosting local jobs, industry and Victoria’s economy.
“Victoria is Australia’s music heartland and the Allan Labor Government doesn’t take this for granted. We are proud to work with the industry to support music in Victoria,” said Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks.
“We are proud to back in the people who power our music industry, from supporting rising stars to helping established artists take their careers to the next level, at home and around the world.”
This year’s grants program offers funding for artists in two new categories, with Stream 1: Uncovering Talent dedicated to supporting early career artists and people from underrepresented backgrounds in the industry.
Stream 2: Evolve and Export boosts opportunities for Victorian artists to take their music to new markets, with funding to support innovative new music projects and activities.
Both categories have dedicated streams for First Peoples and Deaf and Disabled applicants alongside general streams.
More than 800 music projects have been supported by the Government’s Music Works program since it was launched in 2015, thanks to almost $12 million invested to ensure local artists and collectives have the tools and skills they need to have an accessible and secure job in the music industry.
Music Works is open to every artist and project across all genres of contemporary music and has supported artists including The Teskey Brothers, Amyl and the Sniffers, RGV and Julia Jacklin showcase their music in Victoria and around the world.
It also supported First Peoples artists including Bumpy to distribute and promote her debut EP, DJ Kidd Benny to run workshops and a community hip hop show, and Kutcha Edwards to promote his new album.
Applications for the new round of Music Works grants open on Thursday 14 March and close at 3.00pm on Thursday 18 April 2024. For more information or to apply, visit: www.creative.vic.gov.au for details.
Image: People at a Live Concert (sourced)