Local creatives have celebrated the return of live performance and in-person events as restrictions ease and the State Government announces further support for the a COVIDSafe summer.
Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas MP was recently joined by Minister for Creative Industries, Danny Pearson MP, to discuss the impact of the pandemic on so many artists, bands, community groups and venues.
The event saw local artists, organisers and community leaders connect with the Minister and south-east MPs Jordan Crugnale MP and Pauline Richards MP.
The Minister also looked to the future and ongoing Victorian Government support to help musicians, bands and music businesses get back on their feet and back on stage with grants to recharge Victoria’s famed live music scene.
In addition to the over $700 million of support to the creative sector throughout the pandemic, the Andrews Labor Government recently announced $15 million in support as we transition to a COVIDSafe summer of events and performances.
Applications for a fresh round of grants through the Music Works program are now open. Grants of between $4,000 and $40,000 are available for activities including recording and releasing new music, presenting music events, marketing and business development.
$10.8 million was provided in the Victorian Budget 2021/22 to extend the initiative for four years and earlier this year $850,000 was awarded to 44 music projects involving 1,000 music industry professionals across the state.
More information on the Music Works program is available at: creative.vic.gov.au/grants-and-support/programs/music-works
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson MP
“These grants are part of our unprecedented investment in Victorian music, helping reinvigorate Victoria’s celebrated creative industry.”
“We’re putting the right measures in place to ensure live gigs can safely return to our stages and Victorian music can ring out across the state and around the globe.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas MP
“Melbourne is known for its creative industries and I am so excited to see all the artists, musicians, creators, and specialist technicians get back to doing what they love the most.”
“These last 20 months have been so tough for many of most creative people. It was brilliant to see local creatives join the Minister in a discussion about what lessons we can take from this pandemic and how we can work together moving forward.”
“Live music, theatre, and the arts are so integral to our rich cultural fabric. People really put their heart and soul into their work and I look forward to restrictions easing, audiences returning and performers again hitting the stage. All this is thanks to so many in our community getting vaccinated.”