Victorian Government Announces $288 Million In Funding For Creative Sector

The Victorian State Government has announced $288 million in funding for the creative sector. 

The announcement was made by Acting Premier James Merlino and Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson today as part of the Victorian Budget 2021/22.

As part of the package, the music sector is expected to see a $10.8 million injection through the Music Works industry development initiative with "specific support to nurture young emerging talent and help tours get back on the road". 

Particular attention has been paid to Music Victoria and the Victorian Music Development Office for the role they "play in supporting homegrown musicians – from promoting work on a global scale to supporting up and coming artists". 

A total of $167.3 million has been allocated for the Creative State funding package which is expected to generate more than 20,000 new jobs across the state.

Additional funding has also been announced for the reinvigoration of the Geelong Arts Centre. 

“Victoria is the cultural capital of our nation and this unprecedented investment will secure the immediate future of the industry, and make sure our creative offering is world class for decades to come," said Merlino today. 

“Geelong Arts Centre is known for its high-quality creative offering and vision, so it is great to make this announcement in a place where a new creative project is coming to life.”

“So much of what we love about our state comes back to our creative identity – to our music, our galleries, our festivals, our comedy and so much more," added Pearson. 

“It’s why this Budget backs the recovery of our creative sector, while also investing in its future – driving the creation of thousands of new Victorian jobs.”

The announcement comes just hours ahead of the handing down of the Federal Budget tonight. Stay tuned for more tomorrow.