Labor is backing Victorian businesses, with grants for live music venues and local musicians available from today.
Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward today announced the latest round of 10,000 Gigs: The Victorian Gig Fund - helping venues host paid performances by talented Victorian artists.
The 2026 program opens for applications today and will be delivered through Music Victoria.
Licensed live music venues and other spaces are eligible to apply for funding of up to $11,000 to stage up to 20 gigs from 1 December 2026 to 30 June 2027.
Since the Fund launched in 2024, more than 7,600 gigs by local artists have been supported statewide.
Past recipients include favourite band rooms like the Wesley Anne, Howler and The Tote, alongside non-traditional music spaces, such as Echuca Aquatic Reserve and Coal Creek Community Park and Museum.
These latest grants are part of a $35.4 million package announced in the Victorian Budget 2023/24 to support Victoria's live music industry at all levels across the state.
Only Labor supports the businesses and venues integral to the state's thriving music industry.
Applications for the 2026 round of 10,000 Gigs: The Victorian Gig Fund are open until 2 September.
To apply, visit musicvictoria.com.au.
As stated by Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward
"Labor is serious about supporting the work of artists, businesses and venues that turn up the music for us all."
"The Victorian Gig Fund helps the local music community host live music gigs, offering more paid performances for artists and greater choice for music lovers across the state."
As stated by Music Victoria CEO Fiona Duncan
"Great live music starts with artists, but artists need stages to build their careers."
"The Victorian Gig Fund helps venues put more Victorian artists on stage, creating paid opportunities for musicians and giving audiences more opportunities to experience live music in communities across the state."
"We're proud to deliver the program and help strengthen Victoria's live music ecosystem."
