Australian state, Victoria is setting the bar high for supporting its music industry, and it’s something, I believe, other regions can learn from. From gigs and festivals to nurturing emerging talent and celebrating diverse performers, the Allan Labor Government is making sure the state’s music scene not only survives but thrives. This substantial funding will benefit live music venues, regional musicians, culturally diverse artists, and youth performers, ensuring the entire ecosystem stays vibrant.

• The first round of the 10,000 Gigs: The Victorian Gig Fund will provide 144 venues with the support they need to host paid gigs featuring local talent. Not only do these venues get a much-needed boost, but rising artists gain valuable stage time and exposure—a win for everyone involved.

• On top of that, the package includes $1 million in Music Works grants, backing 92 music projects and supporting the careers of over 600 industry professionals. Over the past nine years, this program has injected nearly $13 million into more than 800 projects, giving both established and emerging artists the tools to elevate their craft.

• Iconic Melbourne venues like The Tote, The Jazzlab, Mamma Chen’s, and Laundry are among the grant recipients, while regional hotspots such as Ballarat’s Volta, Barwon Heads Hotel, and Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal will also benefit. It’s not just about keeping the venues alive—it’s about enriching local communities through music.

• The government’s Live Music Festivals Fund will provide up to $50,000 to 22 Victorian festivals, supporting both long-running favorites like the Port Fairy Folk Festival, Queenscliff Music Festival, and Riverboats Festival, and new events like GROUNDED at Dookie Quarry and Yass Queens Park, a queer-focused festival in Moonee Ponds.

• In a push for inclusivity, Multicultural Arts Victoria’s NEWPRINT program will offer professional development opportunities for artists from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, ensuring that Victoria’s music scene is as diverse as its community.

But this funding isn’t just about keeping the good times rolling—it’s about maintaining a vital part of Victoria’s creative economy. From event organizers and artists to venue staff and crews, this investment sustains jobs and keeps the entire ecosystem humming, securing Victoria’s place as Australia’s music heartland.

These grants are part of a larger $35.4 million package from the 2023/24 Victorian Budget, designed to support live music at every level, in every corner of the state.

With Nigerian cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt long recognized as talent hubs, it would be interesting to see lawmakers draw inspiration from this model to keep the pulse of our own music industry alive.

What do you think?