This $2.3 million grant program is part of the $5-million Venues Unlocked Program, a partnership between Sound NSW and the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, aiming to unlock more live performance opportunities across the state.
Venues Unlocked features Sound NSW’s Soundproofing Grants for Live Music Venues and the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner’s Live Performance Venue Program.
The Live Performance Venue Program will be delivered in two phases:
Phase one: Live Performance Venue Accelerator, which is already under way - to support hospitality businesses (cafes, clubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, distilleries, breweries) interested in diversifying to stage live performance can develop skills, confidence and capacity through specialist workshops, covering marketing, programming and essential equipment training.
Phase two: Live Performance Venue Grant Program –$2.3 million in grant funding to give eligible hospitality business grant funding of $20,000 to $80,000 for live performance equipment purchase and installation, as well as start-up programming and marketing costs. Applications for Sound NSW’s Soundproofing Grants for Live Music Venues closed in January.
Applications for the Live Performance Venue Grant Program are now open. Applications close at 2:00pm on Wednesday 3 April 2024. To find out more or to apply, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/live-performance-venue-grant-program.
24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said:
“Audiences across the state want more from their night out than just a bite to eat, and something to drink. Live music has always been an essential part of night time culture and while the bad old days of lockouts and lockdowns are well and truly behind us, we’ve got a job to do when it comes to amping things up across NSW.
“This program will provide operators with the vital skills they need to re-establish live entertainment as a core part of their night time offer and it's a pleasure to work alongside our specialist music agency Sound NSW to deliver this initiative”
Head of Sound NSW Emily Collins said:
“Many musicians and performers get their first gigs at pubs, clubs and other hospitality venues and this program will encourage even more of our state’s great venues to open their doors to live music.
“The 24-Hour Economy Commissioner’s Office and Sound NSW are working together to boost NSW’s live music ecosystem and support venues, giving them the confidence they need to book and host live entertainment."
