Victorian Govt pledges $17.2m for outdoor summer shows and jobs

The Victorian Government has announced a $17.2 million package, of which $5 million is allocated to a myriad of live music gigs staged across the state, and the creation of more jobs.

The shows will be “across regional and peri-urban communities to bring Victorians back together and help our music industry and its thousands of businesses and workers get back on their feet,” the Government said in a statement.

“All activities and events will be presented in accordance with public health requirements and institutions will continue to present a diverse program of virtual creative experiences.”

Almost $8 million goes to cultural institutions as the Myer Music Bowl, Museum Victoria, the NGV, State Library Victoria, Melbourne Recital Centre, ACMI and Federation Square to bring their attractions outside so more people can attend.

The Myer Music Bowl will host the Live at the Bowl summer festival – to run from January to March – featuring more than 40 performances.

It is expected to create close to 2,000 jobs in the creative and event industries.

Rock gigs are also scheduled at Federation Square, while the Geelong Arts Centre will team with Deakin University to present a month-long summer season of events under a big top.

Almost $4.3 million will enable arts companies and festivals to present summer and autumn programs outdoors, including Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Midsumma, Shepparton Arts Festival and Creative Clunes.

“This extensive program will showcase Victoria’s incredible creative talent, deliver thousands of jobs and reinvigorate our creative, hospitality and events sectors," Creative Industries Minister, Danny Pearson, said at the November 9 announcement.

“It will be a celebration of all we’ve achieved together to get through this year, and will bring people back to the experiences we love in new, exciting and COVIDsafe ways.”