Cherry Bar, Revolver Upstairs, The Espy and some 65 other live music venues receive funding boost
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13.01.2021

Cherry Bar, Revolver Upstairs, The Espy and some 65 other live music venues receive funding boost

Words by Tom parker

The next tranche of support from the state government has arrived.

Victoria’s music industry just received another funding boost with the state government committing an additional $8 million of support for the sector.

As part of this, a host of live music venues will be buttressed, with the likes of The Espy, Cherry Bar, Revolver Upstairs, Section 8, as well as the regionally-located Barwon Hotel (Geelong), Palais (Hepburn) and the Torquay Hotel set to receive a cash injection.

Up to 61 other venues will also share in $5 million allocated to live music venues as part of the final tranche of the Victorian Live Music Venues Program.

Outside of that, more than 130 Victorian music businesses, artists and venues will share in the remaining $3 million allocated to this funding round. This will bring rise to nearly 5,000 jobs in the industry, with the supported projects ranging from live music events, to livestream shows and other new works from the likes of Ella Hooper, Cash Savage & The Last Drinks and many more.

The respective grants have been designed to support the aforementioned recipients in ensuring their endeavours are COVID-safe, while also reigniting the flame – kickstarting the creation of new music, facilitating the delivery of statewide tours and endorsing other business and digital ventures.

“This suite of funding will not only see revered venues like St Kilda’s iconic Espy become gig ready, it will also pave the way for a long list of venues, music businesses and artists to return to work in COVID-safe ways,” Member of Albert Park Martin Foley said at a press conference held at The Espy.

Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson echoed Foley’s words, alluding to the multitude of opportunities this round of funding will provide.

“Our music industry creates and supports thousands of jobs – injecting millions into our economy,” he said. “The programs will revive our music culture by supporting local businesses and workers, so they can continue to do what they do best.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the state government has provided the music industry nearly $25 million in funding to help it bounce back from the disruptions caused by COVID-19.

Read the full list of funding recipients here.

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