- Published:
- Wednesday 3 July 2019
The next generation of music lovers and creators will have more opportunities to enjoy live music thanks to a new program from the Andrews Labor Government supporting all-ages gigs across Victoria.
Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley today announced The Push All-Ages Grants at the second annual CHANGES music conference.
Managed by youth music organisation The Push, the program will help live music event organisers, venues and artists access grants of up to $2,000 to support the costs of staging all-ages events. The grants can be used to help pay for venues, staffing, security, production costs and artist fees.
The program builds on the Labor Government’s support for FReeZA, an initiative for young Victorians aged 12-25 that supports music gigs, dance parties and other cultural, recreational and artistic events in supervised venues that are drug, alcohol and smoke-free.
Through FReeZA committees and skills development events, young Victorians can undertake training in event management and promotion.
The new All-Ages Grants program will further strengthen our live music scene, creating opportunities for more groups to host events, for artists and bands to perform for new audiences and for Victorians of all ages to enjoy live music.
Applications are now open for the first round of grants – for live music events taking place between 20 August 2019 and 24 February 2020. A second round will open in January 2020.
Submissions for the first round of The Push All-Ages Grants close on 7 August 2019. For full guidelines and application details, go to www.thepush.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley
“Music plays an important role in the lives of so many Victorians and our love of live music has no age limit.”
“We’re proud to support this new grant program which will make live music more accessible to our next generation of music fans and creators.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Youth Gabrielle Williams
“All-ages gigs are safe, fun and a great chance for young Victorians to express themselves. This is a superb initiative that will mean more young people can immerse themselves in the music they love.”
Quotes attributable to The Push acting chief executive Josh Kane
“The Push looks forward to working with the music sector to reinvigorate all-ages events across Victoria.”
“We want to see artists, promoters, booking agents, venues and organisations using these grants to stimulate all-ages activity and foster opportunities for our next generation of live music audiences.”