Victoria’s live music scene just received a huge win courtesy of the state government.
Friday 5 June saw the Andrews Labor Government announce new grants for Victorian live music venues, offering funding to help owners and operators pay for soundproofing within their establishment.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Jane Garrett, was at Cherry Bar in Melbourne’s iconic AC/DC lane on Friday to launch the game-changing Live Music Attenuation Assistance Program which will provide a whopping $250,000 toward soundproofing.
As the official press release reads, “Venue owners and operators can apply for financial assistance to reimburse expenses for works such as installation of acoustic insulation and glazing, sound absorbing materials and air-lock doors and windows.”
Successful applicants of the grants will be reimbursed for soundproofing works completed or contracted between 4 September 2010 and 4 September 2014, in addition to this, grants may also be available for venues where a nearby residential development received a planning permit before the Agent of Change Principle was introduced yet the construction did not commence by 4 September 2014.
The important Agent of Change Principle kicked into full swing in September of last year, placing the onus for soundproofing on developers or residents that move near an established venue, a major victory for live music venues in Victoria.
In providing such grants alongside the Agent of Change, Victoria’s music scene will only grow stronger, giving an extra sheet of protection to the ever-expanding marketplace in attracting more musicians to tour the state, as well as providing incentive to current establishment owners to continue running live music venues, not to mention the potential opening of additional homes of live music throughout Victoria.
This is a positive move forward by the Labor Government in protecting Victoria’s live music scene, with Minister Jane Garrett commenting on the new grants, “Live music is part of our culture. We’re working hard to encourage it further, to promote emerging Victorian artists and draw more tourists from all over. The music scene is a significant contributor to our economy, and many Victorians are employed directly or indirectly in the industry.”
