Government grants of between $250,000 and $1 million to support experienced organisers to deliver the return of large-scale live music events and festivals throughout Victoria.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
What is the Live Music Restart Program – Festivals & Events?
The Live Music Restart Program – Festivals & Events initiative provides funding to established and dedicated festival and events organisers across the state to help support the recovery of Victoria’s live music sector in the wake of coronavirus restrictions.
What is the level of support of the Live Music Restart Program?
$250,000 to $1 million to support delivery of:
- a single live music festival or event, or
- a series of live music festivals or events
with a capacity of at least 3000 in-person attendees.
What are the important dates of the Live Music Restart Program?
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest here with GrantHelper
What are the objectives and outcomes of the Live Music Restart Program?
The program aims to support the re-establishment of Victoria’s position as a world-leading state for contemporary music through:
- supporting the rebuild of the sector (employment, supply chains, etc) following the impacts of COVID-19 health restrictions
- stimulating local economic activity across Victoria
- re-engaging audiences with live music events in metropolitan and regional Victoria
- providing opportunities for artists to play shows, earn income and reconnect with audiences
- providing employment to businesses within the live music ecosystem
Priority will be given to supporting live music festivals and events that will most significantly support Victorian musicians and communities and contribute to rebuilding Victoria’s contemporary live music industry.
How to get Live Music Restart Program funding?
You should read and understand the guidelines and information for all applicants.
Successful applicants will put forward a team with a proven track record in delivering large-scale music events and present a sound business model and viable project plan that will deliver benefits to Victoria’s live music industry, audiences, businesses and communities.
Check out our How to Prepare Before You Apply insight.
Most importantly, and before you start an application, you need to ensure your organisation is eligible for the funding. Organisations that do not meet all of the eligibility criteria outlined below will not be considered.
Check out How to write a successful grant application to learn more about how to win government grants for your business. Our in-depth eBook is the single most valuable resource you will find that helps organisations to truly understand how to win government grants.
Follow the link to get your copy of the Guide to Winning Grants.
Is my organisation eligible for Live Music Restart Program funding?
Eligible organisers will be experienced organisers of contemporary live music festivals and events in Victoria, which:
- are incorporated as a legal entity or:
- a legally incorporated trustee that is indemnified out of the assets of the trust
- a partnership or joint venture between legally incorporated entities, with a nominated lead for the application
- are located in Victoria and hold an ABN registered in Victoria
- can demonstrate delivery of at least two live music festivals or events within Victoria between January 2017 to present, each with:
- an in-person attendance greater than 3,000 people
- a sound revenue generating model
- have the applicable rights to deliver a large, complex live music festival or event in Victoria in 2022 with a capacity of 3000 or more in-person attendees
- may include promoters, LGAs, NFP organisations, artists/bands, or other music industry businesses and organisations
- have no overdue Creative Victoria (or former Arts Victoria) acquittal
Eligible organisers may make one application for program funding.
Organisers will be ineligible if they:
- carry on business as individuals, sole traders, unincorporated associations
- have received funding under a different government program for the activity
- do not have or do not agree to obtain appropriate OneMusic licence and other required licences, permits and approvals
See the guidelines for full details of eligibility requirements.
What activities and expenditure are eligible for support from the Live Music Restart Program?
General project costs
The program supports the cost of planning and delivery of flagship and large-scale music events and music festivals featuring contemporary live music in Victoria intended to have a capacity of at least 3000 in-person attendees.
It is expected that contractors and suppliers will be based in Victoria. However, payments to non-Victorian musicians or businesses will be permitted where Victorian suppliers cannot be sourced and it benefits Victoria’s contemporary live music industry.
Accessibility costs
Applicants should ensure that funded activities are accessible to deaf and disabled artists, workers and audiences (e.g., Auslan, captioning, audio description, materials in other formats, venue and events access and amenities) and that any relevant costs are visible in the project budget.
Visit the Arts Access Victoria’s website for links to organisations that can help make your event more accessible.
Program funding must not be used to support the cost of delivering:
- music festivals and events which:
- 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 3000 in-person attendees
- do not feature live music as the primary entertainment form
- private events, competitions, prizes, eisteddfods, awards or similar
Program funding must not be used towards the following expenses:
- business start-up costs, capital purchases, or recurrent administrative, infrastructure and other organisational costs, not directly associated with the funded activity
- reimbursement of project expenses already incurred
- equipment purchases or hire costs that are not directly related to the applicant’s funded activity and which do not address the program’s aims and priorities
- grant writing fees
How do you apply for Live Music Restart Program funding?
Applications are submitted via the DJPR grants portal.
Book a no obligation discovery session with GrantHelper to increase your chances of success.
What information do I need to prepare for lodging a Live Music Restart Program application?
Applicants must submit the following supporting material/documents:
Evidence of previous event delivery experience in Victoria
For two events delivered by the organiser between January 2017 to present, include evidence:
- demonstrating the generation of revenue through provision of ticketing reports and/ or sponsorship agreements.
- demonstrating approved event capacity of 3,000 or more, and appropriate considerations and approvals, such as Event Plan, Provide Places Of Public Entertainment permits (POPE) and liquor licence
Programming and Timing
- Summary of the proposed artistic/creative program including artists and/or creative practitioners involved
- Project plan/outline with key dates, locations, background, and activities
- Any contingency planning which addresses possible delays or risks to the activity
Quotations and Budget Notes
- Quotations for key budget items
- Additional budget/ financial/ contingency information which may include notes to clarify items in your budget or correspondence confirming financial support where applicable
- Preferred schedule for grant payment(s)
Local and Victorian Contemporary Live Music Industry Investment
Budgeted project expenditure allocated for:
- Local (i.e., Australian and New Zealand) artists and contemporary live music industry businesses, itemising expenditure allocated for Victorian artists and businesses
- International artists and businesses
Financial Risk Assessment documents
- 3 years final accounts (for years ending 30 June 2019, 2020 and 2021) audited or prepared by an accountant; and
- Interim accounts (profit & loss statement and balance sheet) i.e., 1 July 2021- 31 December 2021
OR, for companies/organisation that do not have three full years’ trading history:
- Completed 3 years profit & loss and cashflow projections template; and,
- Profit & loss and cashflow projections prepared or verified by an accountant for financial years 2021-2022, 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, or calendar years 2022, 2023, 2024
Project Marketing and Audience Development
The project’s proposed marketing and audience development strategy, including publicity proposals, social media channels and reach, and outlines of professional services.
Key Partner Confirmations (if applicable)
- Correspondence that confirms key activity partners
Activity involving First Peoples’ Cultural Material/Content/Communities
(if applicable)
- Appropriate documentation must be submitted if you propose to work with First Peoples’ stories/cultural material that is not your own
- Follow correct protocols when working with First Peoples’ artists, content and/or communities as per Australia Council’s Protocols For Using First Nations Cultural And Intellectual Property In The Arts
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
What is the assessment criteria of the Live Music Restart Program?
| Ref | Criteria |
| 1 | Impact on the Victorian contemporary live music industry and audiences – Economic impact – Industry participation – Victoria’s live music and events reputation – Size and location – Quality and diversity – Communications plan |
| 2 | Viability and logistics – Quality and track record of team/partners – Budget and business model – Project management and timeline – Safety plan (including COVID) – Awareness of regulatory requirements – Best practice relating to First Peoples |
Need help applying for Live Music Restart Program funding?
Is your business eligible for this government grant? Or perhaps you’re not sure and want to know more?
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