The 2015-16 Victorian budget is set to see the state secure its place as the music capital of Australia once again, with the new government announcing an investment of $12.2 million in Victoria’s music sector to support young and emerging musicians and live music venues.

What’s been dubbed the Music Works package includes a range of initiatives to boost the development of the local music industry, which the government says they’re hoping will boost tourism as well as giving a shot in the arm to the local economy through increased jobs.

The budget will provide $8 million to establish Victoria Rocks, a grants program to support artists embarking on interstate and international tours, support music festivals and community programming, and help provide services such as sound and light engineers, advertising, and transport.

The development of the Music Market has been secured with $300,000 for planning and industry consultation. This will serve as a one-stop-music hub for recording and distribution, open to artists, venues, managers, and industry development organisations.

A further $10 million has also been set aside for the Market, including the Victorian Music Development Office and the Australian Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, to be allocated upon conclusion of planning. However, there is no word yet on where a Hall of Fame would be situated.

Live music venues across the state will be given a much sought-after boost. They will receive $1.48 million in funding to undertake upgrades and improvements from sound-proofing to technical or acoustic enhancements.

Young and emerging musicians are a primary focus, with $2 million for professional development programs including mentoring, to help them break into highly competitive local and international markets. Meanwhile, $400,000 will fund industry promotion to boost tourism.

Creative Victoria has appointed music industry leader Kirsty Rivers to lead the implementation of the package in the role of Manager, Contemporary Music. She will oversee the implementation of what the government is calling “the largest investment in the creative industries since 2009-10″.

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“Victoria is the music capital of Australia. It’s part of our culture and why we’re a great place to live and visit,” said Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley. “Music Works will support local acts every step of the way, helping to support musicians, grow the musical element of our creative industries and create jobs.”

“From the next great Victorian band playing out of a garage to live music venues across our state, Labor is supporting the works that give our state so much in return.” The Labour Party first announced Music Works last year, ahead of the November election.

As Tone Deaf previously reported, the package was presented as a $22.2 million commitment to boosting the development of the local music industry, including $13.4 million to work with the Port Phillip Council and Palais Theatre operators to save the crumbling venue.

Readers can find more details on the Music Works package via the official website of the Premier of Victoria. Victoria Rocks will open for applications in the second half of 2015, so stay tuned to Tone Deaf..

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