Victorian Live Music Venues Program

The Victorian Live Music Venues Program has been created to help eligible venues survive the financial stress and hardship as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and to return to hosting live music events, providing employment opportunities for performers, bookers, crew and other music industry workers when it is safe to do so.

The program is open to licenced Victorian live music venues with a capacity of 50-1,200 people that have a demonstrated history of contributing to Victoria’s live music culture and in sound business management. Applications are now open and close at 5pm, 13 August.

Full program guidelines are available on the Program above and venue operators interested in applying are strongly encouraged to contact program staff prior to making their application. Staff contacts are also listed on this page.

The funding amount available per venue will be based on your venue’s capacity:

The overall funding pool for the program is capped at $15 million. Please note that this is a competitive funding program and we may receive more applications than we can support.

The funding is intended to support venues both during the shutdown period and when venues return to business in line with public health directions and measures. Funding aims to assist venues to remain solvent while restrictions make the re-commencement of live performances infeasible or uncommercial and to meet costs directly related to the reopening and re-commencement of live music performances in line with the staged easing of restrictions.

Funding may be used to meet the following costs from 16 March 2020 until 31 January 2021:

• Operational, non-discretionary and fixed business costs (e.g. rent*, insurance, utilities, equipment leasing), including costs incurred and unpaid since 16 March 2020.
• Costs for obtaining professional business services or advice (e.g. to support business continuity planning)
• Marketing
• Staff wages, contractors (e.g. production staff, security) and training where, and to the extent, these are not available to the applicant under other programs, such as the Commonwealth JobKeeper program
• Venue modifications, including signage, sneeze screens and minor capital works not requiring a building permit
• Re-establishing supply chains and re-engaging with audiences
• Artists fees (guarantees)

*Please note, live music venues may be entitled to support under the Victorian Government’s Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme (CTRS), which is designed to alleviate financial hardship faced by tenants and landlords as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Before applying for support through the Victorian Live Music Venues program, venue operators should first follow the procedure specified under the CTRS for obtaining rent relief.

Funding may not be used for capital works (building projects) that require a building permit, or for any costs incurred prior to 16 March 2020.

Funding from the program can be used to meet costs that are directly related to making a venue COVID-safe.

This may include meeting the cost of obtaining professional business services or advice, marketing, staff training, as well as undertaking venue modifications, including signage, sneeze screens and minor capital works that do not require a building permit.

Live music venues are a vital part of our live music scene and this program will help venues to respond to the devastating impacts of the pandemic and return to hosting live music events when it is safe to do so.

This includes providing employment opportunities for performers, bookers, crew and other music industry workers.

Victoria’s live music venues underpin a local industry that is worth around $1.7 billion. Venues across the state have been particularly affected by public health restrictions because their revenue relies on hosting crowds.

Live music venues create opportunities for employment of artists, agents, managers and promoters; contractors such as bookers sound and lighting technicians; tour managers and crew; hospitality workers; and other small businesses. Live music venues have incurred the same loss of income as many other music businesses but with the addition of venue overheads.

Starting a new music venue is a significant and costly undertaking. A loss of live music venues would mean long-term damage to the industry, surrounding businesses and many jobs. Our live music sector has been built over many decades and if we were to lose key venues, it would take years to recover.

Outside of the Creative Industries portfolio, the Victorian Government has supported music venues and other music and creative businesses through measures such as:

• the Business Support Fund, including the expansion that was recently announced for businesses in metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire;
• waiving and refunding payroll tax and liquor licence fees; and
• the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme.

Visit the Business Victoria website or contact the Business Victoria coronavirus hotline on 13 22 15 for more information about programs on offer and information on how to access support.

Applications are open to Victorian licensed venues that have a demonstrated history of presenting original live music and in good venue, staff, performer and patron management practices.

To be eligible for support, the venues must:

• Be operating a licensed venue in Victoria, with a primary business model of presenting original live music performances
• Have been operating as an original live music venue on 16 March 2020
• Be able to evidence a reduction in turnover of at least 30 percent from the operation of the venue since 16 March 2020
• Provide a copy of their liquor licence that shows an overall venue capacity of 50 to 1200 people (further details about Liquor Licences below)
• Provide a copy of their OneMusic licence for public performance of music that was held on 16 March 2020 (further details about OneMusic available below)
• Have dedicated performance and audience spaces to support live music performance within the venue
• Be a solvent business
• Hold a valid Australian Business Number (ABN), and have held that ABN at 16 March 2020

Venue operators must submit the application.

The following organisations and venues are not eligible for support under this program:

• Venues with a capacity of less than 50 people or more than 1,200 people.
• Venue operators that are eligible for the Victorian Government’s Night-time Economy Business Support Initiative.
• Organisations that currently receive recurrent or multi-year funding from the Victorian Government.
• Businesses whose primary function and revenue is not derived through hosting live music performance.
• Unlicensed venues.

Creative Victoria supports artists, musicians and other creators and seeks to ensure that artists and rightsholders are remunerated for their intellectual property.

Royalties provide an important, and sometimes the only, income stream for creators and rightsholders.  Live music venues have a role to play the remuneration of creators and rightsholders by complying with federal legislation and ensuring that royalties relating to the use of music are paid. Holding the appropriate OneMusic licence goes to demonstrating your venue’s commitment to creators and the broader music sector.

See the OneMusic website for more information regarding licensing music use in your venue; and in FAQs below.

Yes, the program is open to venues that present all genres of original live music.

Among other eligibility requirements, in order to apply a live music venue must have been operating as at 16 March 2020 and to be able to provide evidence of a reduction in turnover since 16 March.  

While your venue’s period of operation will be taken into account as part of the assessment process, so too will the importance of the venue to a particular community and the importance of the venue to Victoria’s live music culture. Venue operators are strongly encouraged to contact program staff to discuss their application prior to submitting.

Creative Victoria multi-year support

You are not eligible to apply to the Victorian Live Music Venues Program if your venue/organisation currently receives multi-year operational support through Creative Victoria.

Business Support Fund

Venues that received support through the first round of the Victorian Government’s Business Support Fund are eligible to apply to the Victorian Live Music Venues program.

The Government recently launched the Business Support Fund – Expansion to support businesses in metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire that have been affected by the return to ‘Stay at Home’ restrictions. Eligible venues are encouraged to submit an application for a $5,000 grant through the Business Support Program - Expansion in addition to applying to the Victorian Live Music Venues program. Venues may receive support through both programs.

CBD Business Support Fund

The Victorian Government is establishing a $20 million CBD Business Support Fund to help small businesses in Melbourne’s CBD faced with a large and sustained shock to their trading environments. Guidelines are yet to be announced however Creative Victoria and Business Victoria have worked closely together and music venues will not be eligible to apply to the CBD Business Support Fund.

Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme

If your venue is eligible to apply for assistance under the Victorian Government’s Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme, you must ensure that you have done so before applying for funding under this program.

Night-time Economy Business Support Package

If you are eligible for funding through the Victorian Government’s Night-time Economy Business Support Initiative you are not eligible to apply through the Victorian Live Music Venues program. This package will be aimed at large hospitality groups. For details If you have further questions please call the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15

JobKeeper, Payroll Tax and Liquor Licencing fees refund/waivers 

Support through other federal or state government economic support initiatives such as JobKeeper or other refunds or waivers will not impact your eligibility for the Victorian Live Music Venues program.

OneMusic Australia is a joint music licensing initiative between APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association), AMCOS (Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society) and PPCA (Phonographic Performance Company of Australia Ltd), launched in 2019.

The Copyright Act 1968, is Federal legislation which specifies and protects the rights of artists and creators relating to their work.  APRA AMCOS (composers and music publishers) and PPCA (recording artists and record labels) are collecting societies that are authorised to collect royalties on behalf of their members, the artists, creators and rightsholders who own the copyright in these musical works.

APRA, acting as an agent for AMCOS and PPCA, administers the OneMusic Australia licensing scheme.

APRA was recently reauthorised by the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) to collect royalties on behalf of copyright owners, including via the OneMusic licensing scheme.

See the OneMusic website for more information regarding your obligations in relation to the licensing of music use in your venue.

Creative Victoria supports artists, musicians and other creators and seeks to ensure that artists and rightsholders are remunerated for their intellectual property.

Royalties provide an important, and sometimes the only, income stream for creators and rightsholders. Live music venues have a role to play the remuneration of creators and rightsholders by complying with federal legislation and ensuring that royalties relating to the use of music are paid. Holding the appropriate OneMusic licence goes to demonstrating your venue’s commitment to creators and the broader music sector.

See the OneMusic website for more information regarding licensing music use in your venue.

For the purposes of your application to this program, the following documents will be accepted as evidence of your OneMusic licence:

• a copy of a OneMusic licence that was current on 16 March 2020
• a copy of a letter from APRA confirming that your venue holds a OneMusic licence
• a copy of a letter from APRA confirming that, while currently unlicensed, you are in good faith negotiations with APRA about the purchase of a OneMusic licence relating to the operations of your venue.

The provision of any documentation from APRA to support your application will be at the discretion of APRA/OneMusic.

Please ensure you leave ample time to make this request.

In 2019, APRA joined forces with AMCOS and PPCA to create OneMusic Australia, and issue licences for the use of music protected by the Copyright Act (Cth) under a single licence. Licence fees are paid to APRA and APRA issues the licence. Check your most recent licence, and if it was renewed in 2019 and 2020 it would have automatically transferred to now be called a OneMusic licence.

If your venue held a valid OneMusic licence on 16 March 2020, you are eligible to apply. For the purposes of your application, APRA will provide you with a letter confirming that you held a valid licence on 16 March 2020.  You should include a copy of that letter with your application.

The provision of any documentation from APRA to support your application will be at the discretion of APRA/OneMusic.  Please ensure you leave ample time to make this request.

See the OneMusic website for more information regarding licensing music use in your venue.

Funding may be used to meet operational, non-discretionary and fixed business costs from 16 March 2020 until 31 January 2021. This would include music licensing fees incurred during this time period.

Venues without a liquor licence are not eligible to apply to the Victorian Live Music Venues program.

Creative Victoria recognises there are many Victorian venues and organisations committed to presenting original live music and more funding opportunities for the broader music industry will be announced in the coming weeks.

There are also several other avenues of support currently available to unlicensed venues, including:

• Business Support Fund - Expansion (Metro Melbourne and Mitchell Shire only)
• Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme and Land Tax relief
• Payroll Tax relief

Business Victoria website offers a ‘Business Support and Financial Assistance Finder’ page and if you have any questions about how your business can access the programs on offer, contact the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15 or visit business.vic.gov.au

Your local council may also be offering grants to venues and music organisations.

Please sign up to the Creative Victoria enewsletter or follow us on social media to receive information about new programs and opportunities as they launch.

Some licences issued by the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) do not list the venues capacity. In this instance, please use the official capacity provided to the VCGLR at the time the application from when the liquor licence was lodged.

When your venue lodged an application with the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) you would have been required to provide a ‘red line plan’, which is a spec sheet or map outlining the area to be licenced, with details of the square meterage covered.

This fact sheet from the VCGLR outlines the process for venues to make their own red line plan.

Once you have established the area measurements as per your red line plan, the VCGLR approximates venue capacity based on a ‘1 x person per 0/75 square metre’ ratio. You can use this ration to establish your venue’s capacity.

This fact sheet from the VCGLR is on patron capacity.

If your licence does not list capacity please provide your red line plan and calculation of your venue's capacity as an attachment to your application, along with your official licence. If you do not have a red line plan, or are unable to provide one in time to submit your application, Creative Victoria may contact you to request the plan and confirm capacity prior to the release of any funding.

Applications opened on 17 July and close at 5pm 13 August 2020 through the Creative Victoria Grants Portal . We will not be able to accept late applications.

The business owner must submit the application.

Note that applicants may be entitled to support under the Victorian Government’s Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme (CTRS), which is designed to alleviate financial hardship faced by tenants and landlords as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Before applying for support under the Victorian Live Music Venues program, venue operators should first follow the procedure specified under the CTRS for obtaining rent relief.

Applications can be made online via the Creative Victoria Grants Portal from 17 July to 5pm, 13 August.

In addition to completing the online application form, you will need to provide a series of application support documents which are detailed in the program guidelines. Some of this documentation is mandatory and applications will not be deemed to be eligible if required documents are not provided. See the program guidelines for full details of the questions asked on the application form and information on the supporting documentation that is required.

Financial statements will need to be provided to evidence a drop in revenue. The program guidelines detail the kind of statements you can submit as evidence.

The Victorian Government’s Arts and Culture Return-to-Business guidelines contain important information to help performance venues re-open safely and in line with government health advice and restrictions. These guidelines also link to the Victorian Government’s guidelines for the hospitality sector which will also be relevant to your business.

Music Victoria and VMDO have also compiled a COVID-19 Guidance Note for Live Music Venues as well as other resources for venues.

All eligible applications will be considered by external peers and industry experts against the program aims and the following assessment criteria which is detailed in the program guidelines.

This program intends to support venues that have a solid reputation, both in the contribution it makes to Victoria’s live music culture, and in upholding relevant laws and regulations related to the safe management of staff, contractors, performers and patrons.

All applications will undergo a probity check by Creative Victoria to ensure there are no adverse findings against the venue. Peer assessors and industry experts will also bring their expertise to the assessment process.

As part of your application, you can submit letters of support that speak to your venues contribution to the live music industry and attest to the reputation of your venue.

If successful, your venue will be required to adhere to, and report to Creative Victoria on compliance with, a number of guidelines relevant to the industry during the period of your funding.

These guidelines include:

• The most recent Best Practice Guidelines for Live Music Venues published by Music Victoria.
• WorkSafe’s A Guide for employers: Work-related gendered violence including sexual harassment.
• FairWork’s An employer’s guide to employing young workers
• Victorian government guidance on creating LGBTIQ workforce inclusion plans; and the LGBTIQ Inclusive Language Guide.
• The most recent Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines for easing of restrictions/reopening which may be accessed here.

All applicants will receive notification of the outcome within eight weeks of the program closing date.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is a dynamic situation, and the safety of Victorians remains the government’s priority.

Find the latest information about Victoria’s restriction levels.

We will continue to keep you updated with developments via our website and social media channels.

As an urgent and immediate measure, $300,000 of this funding was allocated to the Sustaining Creative Workers Initiative to provide quick response grants to musicians and music micro-businesses, on top of those already supported through this program. Creative Victoria is now working with the industry on further support programs to be funded through this package that will best meet the evolving needs of musicians, music businesses and workers.

The Victorian Government’s landmark Music Works package has invested $22.2 million into all levels of the music industry over the last four years. Our current focus is on supporting the industry through the urgent and immediate impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) and we will provide an update on Music Works in the future.