Up to $50,000 to support established Victorian festival organisers to stage new or existing events in Victoria with a capacity of more than 1,000 people.
On this page you will find
What is the Live Music Festivals Fund (LMFF)?
In 2025, the Live Music Festivals Fund will focus on a key activity area of Victoria: the small-to medium festival sector. In this round, these festivals are defined as those with 1000+ attendees, continuing to ensure a minimum of 25% of the funding is for activity in regional Victoria.
Live Music Festivals level of support
Each application may apply for up to $50,000 (made up of $47,000 for items 1-5 below, and $3,000 for accessibility initiatives).
- Artists
- Production
- Marketing
- Operations
- Travel
- Access
While only one application can be made per festival, the same applicant can make multiple applications, each one for a different festival that they deliver.
Live Music Festivals important dates
- Applications close: 2pm, Tuesday 25 March 2025 (AEST)
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Live Music Festivals objectives
The fund aims to:
- contribute to the viability of the supported festivals
- provide opportunities for artists to earn income and connect with audiences
- provide work for skilled creative and event workers across the sector supply chain
This grant program is guided by the Victorian Government’s Creative State 2025 strategy and the principles it contains:
- First Peoples first – place First Peoples knowledge, practice, protocols and cultural authority front-and-centre, forging strong and enduring partnerships with First Peoples creative communities.
- For every Victorian – regardless of cultural background, age, gender identity, income or ability, every Victorian can take up their right to participation in the cultural and creative life of the state.
- Whole of state – people in remote, regional, and outer-metropolitan areas have improved and more equitable access to cultural experiences, creative expression and creative careers.
- Health and wellbeing – foster healthy, safe and respectful working environments.
- Environmental impact – the creative industries reduce environmental impact in everything they make, share, present, tour and consume.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Live Music Festivals support
Funding can be spent on costs associated with the planning and delivery of your festival, specifically:
- Artists
- Production
- Marketing
- Operations
- Travel
- Access
All musicians performing at supported festivals must be paid at least $250 AUD per person.
The following festivals will not be funded:
- festivals that are not staged in Victoria
- are primarily or substantially for the purpose of persuading or converting
- are not intended to have a capacity of at least 1000 in-person attendees
- do not feature original live music as the primary entertainment form.
- are not ticketed
- are private events, competitions, prizes, eisteddfods, awards or similar
See the guidelines for full details of projects eligible for LMFF support.
Other Live Music Festivals important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Live Music Festivals support
To apply you must be an experienced organiser of ticketed contemporary live music festivals which:
- are located in Victoria and hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) registered in Victoria (and held that ABN at 31 March 2025)
- may include promoters, Not for Profit (NFP) organisations, artists/bands, or other music industry businesses and organisations
- can demonstrate delivery of at least two ticketed live music festivals or events within Victoria in the preceding 5 years of application, each with:
-
- an in-person capacity over 1,000 and
- a sound revenue generating model
- have the applicable rights to deliver a live music festival in Victoria within the Round’s eligible festival dates
Application forms from the following will not be accepted:
- State-owned cultural agencies and organisations
- State government departments and agencies
- local government
- applicants that have an overdue Creative Victoria and/or Music Victoria acquittal
- applicants that do not have or do not agree to obtain appropriate OneMusic licence and other required licences, permits, insurances and approvals with respect of the live music festival for which the application is made
- an auspicing body or an organisation acting as an auspice body
See the guidelines for full details of organisations eligible for LMFF support.
Live Music Festivals assessment criteria
Eligible applications will be assessed against the Program Objectives and against the following Assessment Criteria:
- Concept: The festival has a strong commitment to live music and the local music community furthering Victoria’s live music reputation
- Quality: The sound system, festival set-up, delivery team, and overall audience experience is of high quality, including efforts towards environmental sustainability and accessibility
- Execution: The festival communicates and engages clearly with its audience, delivers great music, in a safe and inclusive environment for musicians, patrons and staff
- Line-Up: The festival predominantly showcases original live music and books acts in a way that fosters diversity and inclusivity
- Musician Focus: The festival treats musicians with respect, offering fair splits and/or guarantees (ie artist can make a profit)
See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.
How do I get the Live Music Festivals?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Make sure to prepare the necessary documents such as proof of past festival successes, detailed festival proposals, and comprehensive budget plans.
Information to prepare for the Live Music Festivals application
To apply you will need to provide:
- contact details and festival social media handles
- evidence of two most recent festivals including Profit and Loss Statements
- details of proposed festival including name, location, key dates, proposed artists and target audience, and bios of key personnel
- 9 x 200-300 word responses addressing the assessment criteria
- a full budget for the proposed 2025/2026 Festival including expected ticketing sales
There are instructions in the application form to help you.
Required links in the application include:
- proof of prior festival #1 – e.g. website or media coverage
- proof of prior festival #2 – e.g. website or media coverage
Links to cloud storage such as Dropbox, Google Drive cannot be accepted.
Required attachments (to be uploaded as word documents or PDFs) include:
- profit and loss statement from prior festival #1
- profit and loss statement from prior festival #2
- risk management plan
- appropriate permits and licenses (as available at time of application).
- bios of key operational personnel
- budget for proposed 2025/2026 festival
Optional supporting documentation includes:
- production plan
- sustainability action plan
- disability inclusion and access plan
- marketing and communications plan
You will receive an email receipt of the application.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Live Music Festivals
Apply online through the Music Victoria awards platform.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Live Music Festivals resources
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