Venues who demonstrate a commitment to increasing live music programming may apply for grants to support advice from consultants and experts to create fit-for-purpose venues.

Venues who demonstrate a commitment to increasing live music programming may apply for grants to support advice from consultants and experts to create fit-for-purpose venues.

Advice may include:

• assessment reports to support infrastructure development (e.g. soundproofing, ventilation, accessibility)
• development application and planning expenses
• legal services and licensing consultants
• energy efficiency audits

There will be two iterations of this grant program. Assessments will take place in December 2025 and May 2026.

• December 2025 round - applications received between 21 November 2025 and 22 December 2025. (Closed)
• April 2026 round - applications received between 30 March 2026 and 4 May 2026.

This funding aims to:

• Increase the number of fit-for-purpose live music venues in NSW
• Increase sector knowledge and expertise in best practice sound management and sustainable live music programming
• Reduce sound impact on neighbours, leading to less complaints and increased business viability
• Increase diversity of live music offerings for improved audience and visitor experience.

This program is administered by Sound NSW (Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport).

This funding program is open to NSW contemporary live music venue owners and operators who demonstrate a commitment to increasing live music programming.

Applicants must satisfy ONE of the following criteria:

• be an incorporated entity or trust (including a trust with a corporate or individual trustee) and hold an Australian Business Number (ABN), Australian Company Number (ACN)
• be registered with NSW Fair Trading under the Associations Incorporation Act 2009 or the Co-operatives National Law (NSW) set out in the appendix to the Co-operatives (Adoption of National Law) Act 2012

Applicants must also:

• hold a lease or occupancy agreement with at least two years from the application close date remaining of the current term (where the premises aren't owned by the operator).
• provide a support letter from premises (building) owner for proposed grant where premises not owned by the applicant
• have majority Australian ownership
• hold a OneMusic licence for Live Music performances

For the purpose of this program, a contemporary live music venue refers to a venue that:

• is licensed or unlicensed
• has a room or space dedicated to live music that is a significant part) of the venue and contains appropriate infrastructure to support regular performances, for example, a separate auditorium, lighting, a sound desk, etc
• has formal arrangements in place establishing payments for artist performances
• has ongoing and regular live music programming
• programs artists and acts performing new and original contemporary music.

Examples of venue types may include, but are not limited to small bars, hotels, clubs (including DJ performance venues) and community halls.

Grants up to the value of $20,000 may support advice from consultants and experts to create fit-for-purpose venues such as:

• assessment reports to support infrastructure development (e.g. soundproofing, ventilation, accessibility)
• development application and planning expenses
• legal services and licensing consultants
• energy efficiency audits.

• Phone: +61 2 9494 8084
• Email: info@sound.nsw.gov.au