Venue Upgrade Grants Program

This series of funding programs is designed to support NSW contemporary live music venues with varied experience in live music programming. It aims to increase the number of fit-for-purpose live music venues across the state, uplift sector knowledge and expertise, improve audience experience and generate greater live music diversity and vibrancy in communities.  

No. Applications are limited to incorporated entities, trusts with an Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN), or organizations registered under NSW Fair Trading.

No, you can only apply for funding for one program.

Yes. Applicants must provide a 30% co-contribution of the total project budget. This can include cash or in-kind contributions, such as donated goods, services, or volunteer support.

Venues demonstrating an exceptional contribution to contemporary music in NSW may request a waiver. Applicants must contact Sound NSW to discuss this option.

Applications must be submitted via the SmartyGrants online portal.

Sound NSW may accept additional information if it does not compromise the integrity of the assessment process. Contact Sound NSW directly if you need to update or supplement your application.

Program 1 & 2 applicants will be notified within 4 to 6 weeks of submission.

While no formal appeals process exists, Sound NSW provides feedback upon request to help applicants improve future submissions.

No. The program is not open to venues operated by Government (Federal, State or Local). Crown leased properties are eligible where operated by an otherwise eligible entity. 

No. The program is not open to venues accessible by the public. 

No. Venues with Producer / Wholesale, Limited, Pop-up or Packaged Liquor Licences are ineligible.

No.  Mobile venues, vessels (boats), or venues without a fixed address are ineligible.

Yes, but any changes must be pre-approved by Sound NSW and comply with the funding agreement’s terms.

Successful applicants will be notified under embargo and must refrain from public announcements until advised by Sound NSW.

Contact Sound NSW before the application deadline. In exceptional cases, late submissions may be accepted if technical issues are pre-reported.

All NSW Local Government Areas are included. 

A Venue Assessment is a report conducted by a qualified and experienced professional within their field relating to your chosen infrastructure area – Soundproofing, Ventilation, Accessibility or Energy Efficiency. 

This report should identify the current needs of the venue, recommended works and projected outcomes of these work.

Venue Assessments should be:

• Completed prior to submission of your application
• Independently written without bias or personal interest (not a contractor working on the project or internal venue staff)
• Detailed & Specific
• Supportive of your project plan – communicate clearly with
  your venue assessor

Projects for infrastructure relating to Soundproofing, Ventilation, Accessibility or Energy Efficiency all require a Venue Assessment to support your application.

Venue Assessments are not required for Equipment (purchase of production equipment including sound, lighting and staging or purchase of video screen and audiovisual technology).

Yes. Sound NSW may contact grantees up to three years after funding to evaluate program outcomes and impact.

The NSW Government is committed to ensuring artists are paid fairly for live performance. If you are employing artists to perform live as any part of your grant, Sound NSW expects all artists to receive a $250 minimum payment for each artist. You can read more about this minimum fee for government funded shows at Musicians Australia.