Major Artists, Labels & Events Score Almost $1 Million In Grants

A number of Victorian musicians and music businesses have been named as recipients for the Victorian Government's Sustaining Creative Workers grant program.

The grants were announced today by the state's Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley, which sees almost $2.3 million awarded to a total of 373 individuals and businesses in the creative sector.

Among the recipients is Briggs' Bad Apples Music ($10,000 to support five to 10 emerging artists to create an album), Courtney Barnett and Jen Cloher's Milk! Records ($5,000 to undertake a retail marketing campaign to engage international audiences, including the development of merchandise, artwork, assets and advertising), Bodyjar ($10,000 to develop and record an album), Joelistics ($4,000 to support the marketing campaign for Joelistics Presents Film School, including the creation of a short film), The Festival of Jewish Arts and Music ($10,000 to deliver a digital program stream for the Festival of Jewish Arts and Music - FOJAM), Dallas Frasca ($5,000 to upskill and develop a new album) and Jess Ribeiro ($5,000 to record comprehensive demos for a new album).

Also included are Northeast Party House ($10,000 to design and deliver projects and adapt practice for online platforms), Future Popes ($4,553 to undertake research, support skills development and adapt in the digital environment), Good Morning ($10,000 to set up a home studio which will be used to record a new album), Jess Locke ($4,500 to support the release of a new album), Lisa Mitchell ($8,500 to complete songs and record an album), MUSIKTRAFIK ($10,000 to create three live-stream concerts for local bands), Liz Stringer ($5,000 to produce a music video in collaboration with filmmaker Dyllan Corbett), Look Out Kid ($5,000 to undertake a series of professional and skills development activities), Ocean Grove ($10,000 to explore new ways to engage audiences and promote their album online), Good Manners Music ($10,000 to develop a mental health plan and policy for staff and artists) and more.

Weekly Instagram-based streaming festival Isol-Aid, which held its 19th event across the weekend, has also received funding, with $200,000 going towards future events.

The new funds for Isol-Aid will assist in employing six behind-the-scenes staff and paying artists for their sets.

Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter

"The Victorian Government is putting money directly in the pockets of our creatives so they can build new skills, create new work and continue to adapt to change," said Foley of the grants.

"This support will keep people working through this period of restrictions, while finding new ways to do business and connect with Victorians."

Organisations including Melbourne Queer Film Festival, Freeplay Independent Games Festival, Open House Melbourne, Weave Movement Theatre and more have been also been awarded grants.

To see the full list of recipients, head here.