The music industry in Victoria will continue to thrive over the next four years with thanks to strategic funding from the Andrews Labor Government.
Music Victoria has experienced rapid growth in recent years with thanks to state government funding and the 2019/2020 budget will continue to treat the music industry as an important part of the Victorian economy.
In a statement, Music Victoria CEO Patrick Donovan announced:
Victorian contemporary music will benefit from continued investment from the Victorian State Government after the State Budget was delivered this week.
In a tight budget due to a fall in stamp duty from the housing market slump and a focus on infrastructure, pre-election commitments dominated the announcement. But music fared well. There was direct investment through the $14 million Victoria Live Festival, which will take place across the state in 2020, the continuation of the Music Works Program which supports contemporary artists to perform and record music, and the Music Under Wings mentoring and development program.
However, the next phase of Music Works will be a smaller investment than what the industry received over the last 4 years. The 2014 Music Works, which included support for the upcoming Music Market hub at the Collingwood Arts Precinct and the establishment of the Australian Music Vault, was worth $22.4 million over four years. This Music Works budget will be part of an overall commitment to the Creative State of $6.4 million.
But music can also benefit from commitments to:
• Music education in schools
• The redevelopment of the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds and the Geelong Performing Arts Centre
• The AsiaTOPA Festival and Dance Massive
• Regional tourism and projects
• The Creators Fund
• Inbound trade missionsMusic benefits the whole society and economy across different portfolios, so while Music Victoria is thrilled that music will receive direct support through Music Works and Victoria Live, we also look forward to working with the government to ensure the music industry can add value to other departments including education, trade, tourism and small business.
This comes after the Federal Coalition Government’s recent $30.9 million four-year Australian Music Industry Package.
The Victorian music industry is in a strong position to continue to grow over the next four years. Stay tuned to Music Victoria communications to make sure you capitalise on all of these opportunities.
Thanks for everyone who signed up or renewed their memberships during our annual drive. Please keep an eye out for our annual member’s survey which we’ll be sending out shortly – we’re keen to get your feedback on how we can serve our members best.
Music Victoria has also been busy in regional Victoria. Read Laura Imbruglia’s touring piece here.
Regards, Patrick Donovan (Music Victoria CEO)
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