The Victorian State Government this week announced the 'Victoria Rocks' initiative, a $7.1 million program aimed at helping musicians across all genres.
Minister for the Arts Lynne Kosky said funding will be available under three categories:Music Career Building Grants will "assist Victorian musicians in taking the next step in their career, including support for the recording of original works, distribution, marketing, promotion, web site development and digital initiatives."
Music Touring Grants will "assist established artists to tour to regional, interstate and international markets. Funding is also available for artists or their managers to attend music conferences and business related meetings outside Victoria."
Strategic Music Industry Partnerships will "support key ideas and innovations that will strengthen and further develop the Victorian music scene. It assists Victorian organisations to provide access and education, and encourage innovation in the local music industry."
Jonathan Williamson of Victoria Rocks told Undercover, "The grant applications will be assessed by a peer panel. For the Music Career Building grants and Touring Grants, they will look at the strength of the written application based on the overall recording/ release/ marketing/ touring strategy as the case may be. They will also consider the quality of the project, level of originality and innovation and potential for significant career and artistic development.
"For the Strategic Music Industry Partnerships, the priority is to assist organisations that will make a critical difference to the local music scene through provision of services, access, education of industry development initiatives."
The complete details of each of the Victoria Rocks programs are now available at the Victoria Rocks website .
