Music Victoria Unveils New Grant Programs to Boost Local Artists and Live Venues
Victoria’s music community has just received a fresh wave of support. This week, Music Victoria – the state’s peak body for contemporary music – announced the launch of two new grant initiatives, Music Works and 10,000 Gigs. The programs aim to give Victorian artists, music workers, industry organisations and licensed live venues the funding they need to create, perform and grow.
Music Works will run from 1 November 2026 to 30 October 2027 and offers two distinct funding streams. Activation grants of $5,000 are fixed, while project grants range from $10,000 to $40,000. Recipients can channel money into songwriting, recording, marketing, touring, professional development and business development. The 2026 round includes a dedicated First Peoples application process, managed by Creative Victoria First Peoples staff in partnership with Songlines Aboriginal Music Corporation.
The 10,000 Gigs program, which began in 2024, targets licensed live music venues across Victoria. It provides grants that enable venues to stage paid performances by Victorian artists, thereby strengthening the live music ecosystem and ensuring venues can remain viable.
"Victoria is Australia's independent and live music capital because of the extraordinary artists, venues, festivals and music businesses that make up our music community," Music Victoria CEO Fiona Duncan said in the announcement. "Music Works and 10,000 Gigs: The Victorian Gig Fund invests directly in that community, supporting the people and businesses that create great music, present live performances and build sustainable careers."
Since its inception in 2015, Music Works has invested almost $13.5 million across more than 950 projects, backing artists such as Alice Skye, Kutcha Edwards, Jen Cloher and Amyl and the Sniffers. The new round will build on that legacy, focusing on projects that increase diversity and accessibility and demonstrate cross‑industry collaboration.
10,000 Gigs has already supported a range of venues, including Yarraville’s Kindred Studios, Brunswick’s Howler, Queenscliff’s The Blues Train and Rutherglen’s Victoria Hotel. By ensuring venues can host paid performances by local talent, the program aims to create a safety net for venues that rely on live events to stay afloat.
Applications for the Music Works 2026 round open on Wednesday 8 July 2026. Eligible applicants include Victorian artists, music workers, organisations and businesses. Funding is available for activities that strengthen careers, build businesses and grow the contemporary music industry in Victoria.
The announcement comes amid ongoing efforts by the Victorian Government to sustain and grow the state’s music economy. By partnering with Music Victoria, the government aims to deliver investment that reaches every corner of the music ecosystem.
"We're delighted to be partnering with the Victorian Government to deliver these programs, ensuring this investment reaches every corner of Victoria's music ecosystem and helps it continue to sustain and grow," Duncan added.
Industry stakeholders see the new grants as a timely boost. The live music sector has faced significant challenges in recent years, and the 10,000 Gigs program is intended to provide a safety net for venues that rely on paid events to remain viable. The Music Works program will also support projects that foster collaboration across music, arts and other creative industries, aligning with the state’s broader cultural strategy. The inclusion of a First Peoples application stream reflects an ongoing commitment to Indigenous representation and cultural inclusion.
For more information on the grant programs, application guidelines and eligibility criteria, applicants can visit the Music Victoria website or contact the organisation directly.
The new funding initiatives represent a substantial investment in Victoria’s music community, offering artists and venues the resources needed to create, perform and grow in a competitive environment. The programs are expected to generate further economic activity, cultural enrichment and employment opportunities across the state.
As the application window opens, artists, workers and venues will have the opportunity to secure funding that can help them navigate the evolving music landscape and continue to contribute to Victoria’s reputation as a leading live music hub.
