Victoria’s contemporary music scene is one of the highlights of our creative sector. From huge outdoor venues to pop-up performances in city laneways, music festivals bring us together. While COVID-19 restrictions may have lowered the volume for a while, the Live Music Restart program is all about supporting our musicians and getting Victoria back on top.

The program:

• supports the rebuilding of our music sector (employment, supply chains, etc) following the COVID-19 restrictions
• stimulates local economic activity across the State
• re-engages audiences with live music events in metropolitan and regional Victoria
• provides opportunities for artists to play shows, earn income and reconnect with audiences
• grows employment to businesses within the live music ecosystem.

Who can apply?

This program is open to experienced organisers of contemporary live music festivals and events in Victoria.

To apply, you’ll need to demonstrate that you’ve delivered at least two live music festivals or events in Victoria since January 2017.

Your events must have had:

• more than 3,000 people in attendance
• a sound revenue generating model.

We’ll give priority to supporting live music festivals and events that significantly involve Victorian musicians and communities and contribute to rebuilding the creative and commercial capacity of our contemporary live music industry.

Guidelines and tools

How can I apply?

Applications for this program are currently closed.

When the round is open, applications are made via a unique link the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) Grants Portal.

Find general information on using the grants portal, including how to register and FAQ about the Portal.

After you apply

Once you submit your application on the DJPR Portal you’ll receive an email acknowledgement.

Our Grants team will then check that your application meets all the eligibility criteria, and we’ll assess your application against the published aims and criteria.

You’ll be notified by email of the outcome approximately 12 weeks after the published closing date.

See information for applicants

Successful applications

If your funding application is successful, you’ll receive a funding agreement outlining the conditions for funding, payment information and reporting requirements.

See information for current recipients

Notification of funding outcomes

There’s high a level of demand for Creative Victoria funding, so we recommend that you plan for contingencies if your application is unsuccessful (e.g., other funding sources). Please don’t make commitments based on the assumption that you’ll receive funding until you’ve received written confirmation of your final funding outcome.

Funding recommendations are subject to approval by the Minister for Creative Industries. Feedback on your application is provided at Creative Victoria’s discretion and may not be available when you receive notification of your funding outcome.

Payment of grants

Program funding payments are conditional on you meeting your obligations under your Funding Agreement with the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, including fulfilling any payment milestone outcomes or deliverables set out in the Funding Agreement.