Music Victoria Funding Halved In State Budget

Victoria's peak contemporary music body Music Victoria have received funding for another two years in today's Victoria budget, but it's half the amount of the previous two years as the State Government encourages the body to become self-sustainable.

Music Victoria has received $250,000 over two years – $150,000 this financial year and $100,000 the next – which is half of the $500,000 over two years they received in the 2011 budget. It was indicated then that the Coalition expected Music Victoria to be self-sufficient through by 2013, but the body has acquired funds for the next two years – although nothing is confirmed beyond that. Annual operating costs for the body are estimated at $250,000.

Music Victoria's CEO Patrick Donovan said today that the body, “appreciates the opportunity by the state government to continue to be the voice for the industry and to ensure that voice is heard loud and clear. The industry has come a long way in the last five years and we will continue to work hard on leveraging these new opportunities.”

He said they will continue to partner with the government on the Live Music Roundtable and urged the industry to support their endeavours from a financial standpoint.

“The government is sending a clear message to the industry to get behind and support Music Victoria, and we urge those with an interest in the scene to come on board as a financial member from just $22.”

Victoria Minister for the Arts Heidi Victoria has claimed a $28.9 million investment in arts initiatives. It includes $4.5 million over two years for the National Gallery of Victoria, $5 million for4 the Arts and Cultural Facilities Maintenance Fund, $4 million over two years for programming at Arts Centre Melbourne, $3 million over two years to build organisational capacity at the State Library of Victoria and $ 2.9 million to upgrade assets at the Public Record Office Victoria.

You can sign up to be a Music Victoria member here.