Victorian live music venues and local musicians can now apply for a new round of funding under the state government’s 10,000 Gigs: The Victorian Gig Fund.
Creative Industries Minister Vicki Ward announced the opening of the 2026 program on Tuesday, with grants of up to $11,000 available for venues and music spaces to host paid performances by Victorian artists.
The program will be delivered through Music Victoria, with licensed live music venues and other eligible spaces able to apply for funding to stage up to 20 gigs between 1 December 2026 and 30 June 2027.
The government said the fund has supported more than 7,600 performances by local artists across Victoria since it was introduced in 2024.
Previous recipients have included established live music venues such as the Wesley Anne, Howler and The Tote, along with regional and non-traditional performance spaces including Echuca Aquatic Reserve and Coal Creek Community Park and Museum.
The grants form part of a $35.4 million package announced in the 2023-24 Victorian Budget to support the live music sector across metropolitan and regional areas.
Ward said the program was intended to create more paid performance opportunities for local musicians while supporting venues that host live music.
Music Victoria chief executive Fiona Duncan said artists need regular access to performance opportunities to develop their careers and build audiences.
Applications for the 2026 round of the Victorian Gig Fund are open until 2 September through Music Victoria.
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