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Live music venues will take centre stage for Melbourne Music Week in November, with the City of Melbourne announcing its aim that the festival will help spark post-Coronavirus recovery.

Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp today advised that Expressions of Interest are now open for local musicians, venues and promoters to take part in the five day event, stating “we’re breaking with tradition by not creating a Melbourne Music Week hub and will instead hold key events in bars and entertainment venues across the city. There will be free and ticketed events to support our hospitality businesses.

“We want people to safely return to our venues and enjoy Melbourne’s famous live music scene. I’m thrilled that we’ll showcase a 100% Australian and New Zealand line-up for the first time ever.”

The five-day event will be held between Wednesday 18th and Sunday 22nd November 2020 - with a condensed program that will allow for flexibility based on social distancing restrictions.

Lord Mayor Capp noted “the new format will allow us to remain flexible and adaptable, as we work with venues on best practice health and safety requirements to keep everyone safe.”

Advising that said live music contributes $1.7 billion a year to Victoria’s economy and creates 42,000 jobs, Councillor Rohan Leppert, Chair of the Council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage portfolio, added “the (Corona)virus has devastated Melbourne’s music scene - with musicians, venues and promoters affected by cancellations and job losses. It’s more important than ever that we bring people and music back into the city.

“Live Performance Australia conservatively estimates that more than 200,000 people have lost income and work as a result of the pandemic.

“This year’s event will have a focus on nurturing our grassroots music industry and celebrating Melbourne’s music community.

“While the event is still several months away, we are planning now so I would encourage everyone to complete an expression of interest.”

Applications are open for all types of events, from performances to collaborations, talks and workshops through to multimedia installations and commissioned works. Music industry practitioners, individuals, groups, businesses and venues are invited to submit an expression of interest before 10pm Sunday 28th June 2020.

For further information about Melbourne Music Week 2020, or to submit an expression of interest, visit the Melbourne Music Week website at mmw.melbourne.vic.gov.au/

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