Its latest round of grants are aimed at helping the state’s music industry to recover and reactivate from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gypsy Bar in Echuca has been named among the latest music industry representatives across Victoria to share in almost $8 million in grants.
The venue has received support through the Victorian Live Music Venues program which was established last year to assist music venues to withstand and respond to the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic and resulting closures and restrictions.
”Thanks to the Victorian Government, this terrific initiative is helping keep the live music scene alive and providing jobs for locals,” Gypsy Bar owner Anthony Reid said.
”We have been able to grow our business, book local artists, hire more staff, and provide a safe and vibrant setting for the community.”
The grant has also enabled the venue to increase their opening hours, which has seen it offer live music every night while creating more jobs for locals.
More than 130 Victorian music businesses, artists and venues across the state will share in grants totalling around $3 million, supporting nearly 5000 jobs in the industry as part of the Victorian Music Industry Recovery Program.
“Our local music venues and artists are the beating heart of local communities and these grants will give them the boost they need to keep doing what they love,” Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp said.
“Regional Victoria has a strong live music community and I encourage you all to check out the upcoming Music Works program.”
Some 68 music venues are being supported to recover and rebound with nearly $5 million injected into Victoria’s iconic live music venues, as part of the final roll-out of the Victorian Live Music Venues Program.
The government’s support to help the industry recover continues with more than $2.5 million to support the next round of Music Works grants, which will open for applications in the coming weeks.
This will include a dedicated stream to support live music activity in regional and outer-metropolitan Victoria.
The full list of the latest funding recipients, as well as details on the upcoming Music Works round that opens on 20 January 2021, can be found at creative.vic.gov.au
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