Open Call for Music Works Grant Program (Australia)

The Music Works Grant Program provides funding support for Victorian musicians, music professionals, businesses, and organisations to create new music, develop careers, and strengthen the state’s contemporary music sector. The program offers Activation Grants of $5,000 and Project Grants between $10,000 and $40,000 for creative, professional development, collaboration, and industry growth initiatives.

About the Music Works Grant Program

The Music Works Grant Program is designed to support Victoria’s contemporary music ecosystem by helping artists, music workers, organisations, and businesses develop new creative projects and strengthen sustainable careers.

The programme supports initiatives that contribute to music creation, professional growth, audience development, industry connections, and long-term sustainability within Victoria’s music sector.

Objectives of the Programme

The main goal of the Music Works Grant Program is to strengthen the contemporary music industry by supporting projects that create meaningful opportunities for artists and industry professionals.

The programme focuses on:

Creating and releasing new music.
Supporting career development.
Building sustainable music businesses.
Encouraging collaboration across the music sector.
Expanding audiences and market opportunities.
Supporting touring and industry connections.
Developing professional skills and knowledge.
Increasing the visibility of Victoria’s music industry.

Funding Categories

The programme offers two main grant categories:

Activation Grants

Activation Grants provide fixed funding of:

$5,000 per grant

These grants use a simplified application process and support Victorian musicians, music professionals, groups, businesses, and organisations.

Activation Grants are designed for smaller-scale activities that support creative and professional development.

Supported activities may include:

Developing creative projects.
Improving professional skills.
Building industry networks.
Creating career development opportunities.

Project Grants

Project Grants provide funding between:

$10,000 and $40,000

These grants support larger and more strategic projects that require detailed applications.

Project Grants are intended for initiatives that create broader benefits for the contemporary music sector through:

Collaboration.
Innovation.
Industry development.
Audience growth.
New market opportunities.

Supported Activities

Eligible projects may support activities that:

Create new music works.
Develop artists and music professionals.
Build industry partnerships.
Expand audiences.
Support touring opportunities.
Improve business sustainability.
Increase access to professional networks.
Strengthen Victoria’s reputation as a contemporary music hub.

Activities Not Supported

Grant funding cannot be used for:

Competitions or award programs.
Fundraising activities.
Private music lessons or tuition.
Formal ongoing study expenses.
Grant writing fees.
General business start-up costs.
Unrelated equipment purchases.
Projects already funded through certain government programs.
Activities that do not meet industry payment standards.
Activities that fail to follow appropriate cultural protocols.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet specific requirements to apply.

Eligible applicants must:

Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) registered in Victoria.
Be based in Victoria.
Be an Australian citizen living in Victoria.
Be a permanent resident living in Victoria.
Be a legally established organisation registered under Australian law.

Eligible organisations may include:

Incorporated associations.
Companies limited by guarantee.
Aboriginal Corporations.
Other legally constituted organisations.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to:

Contemporary musicians.
Music industry professionals.
Music groups.
Music businesses.
Community music organisations.
Eligible creative organisations.

Applicants should demonstrate how their project will contribute to creative growth, professional development, or strengthening Victoria’s music sector.

Ineligible Applicants

The following are not eligible:

Individuals under 18 years of age.
Local government authorities.
Academic institutions unless applying as an auspice.
Training institutions unless eligible under programme conditions.
Applicants with overdue grant acquittals with Creative Victoria or Music Victoria.
Organisations excluded under programme guidelines.

Expected Outcomes

Funded projects are expected to contribute to:

Stronger music careers.
More sustainable creative businesses.
Increased audience engagement.
Greater industry collaboration.
Improved professional opportunities.
Growth of Victoria’s contemporary music reputation.

Benefits of the Grant Program

Successful applicants can gain:

Financial support for creative projects.
Opportunities for professional growth.
Increased industry visibility.
Stronger networks.
Support for career development.
Access to new audiences and markets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Music Works Grant Program?

The Music Works Grant Program supports Victoria’s contemporary music industry by funding artists, music professionals, businesses, and organisations to develop creative projects and strengthen careers.

How much funding is available through the programme?

Activation Grants provide $5,000, while Project Grants provide between $10,000 and $40,000.

Who can apply for the Music Works Grant Program?

Victorian musicians, music workers, businesses, groups, and eligible organisations with an ABN registered in Victoria can apply.

What types of projects are supported?

The programme supports new music creation, professional development, collaboration, audience growth, touring opportunities, and industry development projects.

Can young musicians apply?

Applicants must meet eligibility requirements, and individuals under 18 years of age are not eligible to apply directly.

Can grant funding be used for music lessons or education courses?

No. Private tuition and ongoing study expenses are not eligible costs.

Can businesses apply for funding?

Yes. Eligible music businesses with an ABN registered in Victoria can apply if their project supports contemporary music sector development.

What is the difference between Activation Grants and Project Grants?

Activation Grants support smaller professional development activities with fixed funding of $5,000, while Project Grants support larger strategic projects requiring detailed applications.

Why is the Music Works Grant Program important?

The programme helps strengthen Victoria’s music industry by supporting creativity, innovation, career growth, and sustainable opportunities for artists and music professionals.

Conclusion

The Music Works Grant Program provides valuable support for Victoria’s contemporary music sector by helping artists and organisations create new work, expand professional opportunities, and build sustainable careers. Through targeted funding for creative development and industry initiatives, the programme contributes to a stronger and more connected music ecosystem across Victoria.