Music Victoria launches its Music Passport program and announces $500,000 Music Works grants
In a new push to send Victorian artists and their music across the world, the Andrews Labor Government have announced their new Music Passport program, encompassing a range of actions that will “support Victoria’s music industry to establish global links, learn from the best in the world and break into new international markets.”
Announced by Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley, the initiative is the latest to come from the $22 million Music Works package, and will be delivered in partnership with the Australian Independent Record Labels Association, Sounds Australia, the Association of Artist Managers, and the Face the Music conference/Melbourne Music Week.
The Music Passport program will include an international fellowship program for managers and labels, sending Australia’s best to forge connections, gain experience overseas, and run international showcases, while also bringing international industry figures to Victoria.
“As well as being a vital part of our culture, music is a big business for this state,” says Mr. Foley. “Music Passport helps build businesses, strengthen careers and create new opportunities to take Victorian music to the world.”
Announced alongside the Music Passport were the latest recipients of Music Works grants totaling $500,000, with the Government noting that almost half of this year’s AIR Award nominees, including four of the five Best Independent Artist nominees, have previously been awarded grants – a sign that the grants are achieving their goals.
“Through Music Works,” Mr. Foley says, “we are investing in the industry at every level – from artists and venues to labels, managers and others working behind the scenes.”
Pictured above with Minister Martin Foley are some of this year’s recipients, including manager Charlotte Abroms, Miller Upchurch and Jon St Clair of Slum Sociable, songwriter Gretta Ray, Kate Duncan of The Push.
The full list of this year’s funded projects can be found here.
This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.