- Published:
- Friday 6 May 2022
As music lovers return to gigs, artists to stages and events and festivals welcome record crowds, the Andrews Labor Government is investing in the behind-the-scenes workers who power the state’s live music industry.
Live music industry body CrewCare will receive a $190,000 grant to train and deliver more job-ready music crew, supporting Victoria’s renowned live music scene with essential skilled workers as the industry continues to roar back to life.
The funding will support CrewCare to deliver A Pathway to Jobs in Live Music: The Weasel Eicke Scholarship, which will equip participants with the skills and experience needed to immediately get to work in the sector.
Named in honour of respected production industry veteran Wellesley “Weasel” Eicke, the program will provide tertiary live production students, as well as crew workers looking to re-enter the workforce, with the skills, experience and industry connections needed to land a job.
As well as providing job pathways for crew, the program will also help Victorian music festivals and event producers to staff the large-scale international tours and iconic festivals scheduled over summer 2022-23 and beyond.
It marks the second time the Labor Government has partnered with CrewCare to deliver industry training. In 2020, Creative Victoria funded the Assisted Music Business Industry Training program to provide training and professional development for out-of-work live production crew in the first wave of COVID-19.
Since the start of the pandemic the Labor Government has committed more than $80 million in dedicated support to the music sector, which is in addition to the $8 million Live Performance Support Package and other business support programs delivered across government.
For more information about CrewCare and A Pathway to Jobs in Live Music: The Weasel Eicke Scholarship, visit crewcare.org.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson
“Production staff are the unsung heroes of our music industry and without them live shows simply wouldn’t happen – this grant is about supporting the people that deliver the gigs Victorians love.”
“We’re delivering the essential training and support required to ensure the next generation of production crew are ready to support the live music industry, while providing established roadies with a gateway to return to work.”
Quotes attributable to CrewCare director Andrew McKinnon
“The Weasel Eicke Scholarship will advance workers and students in live music to direct employment opportunities while honouring a much-loved industry leader.”
“CrewCare is pleased to have the Victorian Government’s support as we work to address the critical skill shortage the live music workforce faces as it rebuilds to operate at full capacity.”