Music Industry Crew Workers To Receive Boost On Back Of Vic Govt Funding Announce

Victorian music industry crew workers are set to benefit from the State Government's announcement of a $13 million cash injection into the local music sector.

CrewCare - the not-for-profit group which supports the technical and backstage personnel in the live music industry - has today announced the newly-created AMBIT (Assisted Music Business Industry Training) program which has been designed to "help crew upskill whilst in lockdown due to COVID-19".

Projected outcomes of the AMBIT initiative include:

• 15 Victorian businesses receiving income by creating and delivering content
• Four sole traders that may not have earned income since March to receive income by developing and administering this program
• 490 crew learning a new skill and receiving income by participating in that training

“It’s important to have a full circle approach if we are going to get back to work sooner," Project Manager Jade Bophela said.

"We have worked really hard to create a program for everyone, whether you are starting out and undertaking one of the practical courses or are an experienced production manager and want to learn a new area of the business via the upskill modules.

"We are extremely grateful to Creative Victoria and the Hon Martin Foley for believing in this initiative and making this training possible. These programs not only assist during the temporary shutdown but will pave the way for crew to be more versatile in their skillset when the industry bounces back."

Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley welcomed the news, saying Victoria's crews and live events businesses are "the lifeblood of our music and events sectors".

"The Victorian Government is proud to back CrewCare and this training program that will support some 500 crew members and businesses that have been hit hard to undertake paid training to develop their skills and businesses as they prepare for reopening," Foley said.

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