Through the Venue Upgrade Grants, fans of live music can look forward to better sound, more stunning lighting and visuals and importantly, more accessible music venues when they head out to local gigs in future, creating a more vibrant and diverse live music scene in NSW.
As part of Sound NSW’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the local music industry, the Venue Upgrade Grants will deliver crucial support to venues via grants that can be spent on getting expert advice, or equipment and infrastructure. Funding will target improvements in soundproofing, ventilation, audio visual technology, accessibility, production equipment and energy efficiency.
The Venue Upgrade Grants initiative is designed to support NSW live music venues with varied experience in live music programming:
- Program 1: Venues who demonstrate a commitment to increasing live music programming may apply for grants of up to $20,000 to spend on advice from consultants and experts to create fit-for-purpose venues, including assessment reports to support infrastructure development, legal services and licensing consultants, development application and planning expenses, and energy efficiency audits.
- Program 2: Grants of up to $250,000 are available for dedicated live music venues to support venue upgrades that enhance audience and visitor experience. Funding will support the purchase of sound, lighting and staging equipment and audio-visual technology, and a range of infrastructure development works including soundproofing, ventilation, accessibility and energy efficiency improvements.
This $3 million Venue Upgrade Grants initiative is part of Venues Unlocked, a partnership between Sound NSW and the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, aiming to unlock more live performance opportunities across the state.
Head of Sound NSW, Emily Collins said:
“Live music is at the heart of NSW’s vibrant cultural scene and Sound NSW is committed to ensuring our venues continue to thrive, now and in the years to come.
“This initiative is designed to enhance the infrastructure and operations of venues, ensuring that venues across the state are well-equipped to deliver world-class experiences for artists and audiences alike.
“This investment will help bring the best live music moments to our communities and create new opportunities for artists and venues to grow, making the live music industry stronger, more inclusive, and more sustainable.”
Applications for Venue Upgrade Grants are now open. For more information, including the guidelines and details on upcoming information sessions, and to apply, visit the Sound NSW website at nsw.gov.au/sound-nsw
About Sound NSW
Established in 2023, Sound NSW is a dedicated office committed to the growth, development and promotion of contemporary music in NSW.
The state’s new 10-year Contemporary Music Strategy provides a blueprint to stabilise the NSW music industry’s foundations, cultivate growth and support its expansion through targeted initiatives and programs, and cement NSW’s place as a global powerhouse for contemporary live music.
