Bendigo Bank backs 2020 Music Victoria Awards
Bendigo Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to the Victorian music industry by inking its second major partner sponsorship of the annual Music Victoria Awards.
Music Victoria’s 16th annual Awards night will be streamed live on Wednesday 9 December and will be a celebration of the industry’s resilience and its response to the unprecedented challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has posed for the State’s performing artists.
Nick Carter, Head of Local Banking, Bendigo Bank, said the Bank will provide financial support and sponsorship to the tune of $20,000 with $3,000 for each winner in three award categories in this year’s Music Victoria Awards.
The Award categories are - Best Regional and Outer Suburban Act, Best Regional and Outer Suburban Venue (over 50 gigs per year), and Best Regional and Outer Suburban Venue (under 50 gigs per year). The balance of the sponsorship has been provided to assist not-for-profit organisation Music Victoria in running the event.
“The 2020 Music Victoria Awards are more important than ever this year, coming as they do at a particularly difficult time for the music industry as a whole and for legions of fans,” Mr Carter said.
“Music has provided an important emotional release from the trials and tribulations of lockdown and our sponsorship is just one way we can help lift community spirits through what continues to be an incredibly challenging period for so many people across Victoria.
“As a major partner of the 2020 Music Victoria Awards, we’re very proud to be able to help support and promote regional and outer suburban artists and venues. We commend Music Victoria for the advocacy it continues to provide on behalf of the State’s music sector and the important role it plays in supporting its growth and development.
“With thousands of our employees currently working from home and live music venues across Victoria shuttered for months, the Bank will also be supporting Victorian musical talent by providing a streamed post-event performance for all staff to access once the 2020 award winners are announced.
“We’ll be offering our staff the opportunity to choose an award nominee to host an exclusive in-house online performance on our Intranet following the Awards ceremony. We’re also canvassing interest levels in providing regular online performances for our staff as a way to support our employees and the Victorian music scene through COVID-19”, Mr Carter concluded.
Music Victoria CEO Patrick Donovan said ‘’Music Victoria is thrilled that Bendigo Bank is continuing its major sponsorship of the Music Victoria Awards, which will include cash prizes for the two best regional venue awards and best regional act. The regional music sector is doing it really tough at the moment, but with restrictions starting to ease, this cash support will help them re-open and provide vital opportunities for regional artists to perform to live music starved crowds.’’
