Horrorshow performing with Janna Beth at Jams Karaoke in Newcastle, Thursday 16 February 2023. Photo by Playstate.
Venue Upgrade Grants
Sound NSW's Venue Upgrade Grants are designed to support NSW contemporary live music venues with varied experience in live music programming to increase the number of fit-for-purpose live music venues across the state and support them to be better equipped to enhance the audience experience.
Through Program 1, 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. Read the guidelines for Program 1 and apply.
Through Program 2, dedicated live music venues may apply for grants to support venue upgrades that enhance the audience and visitor experience. Read the guidelines for Program 2 and apply.
Information Sessions
An online information session for Program 2 will be held on 28 January 2025 at 11.30am.
Register for Program 2 Information Session
An online information session for Program 1 will be held on 30 January 2025 at 11.30am.
Register for Program 1 Information Session
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
Eligible applications are reviewed by an assessment panel comprising industry stakeholders, government representatives, and Sound NSW personnel. Applications are evaluated based on:
- Impact on the live music ecosystem.
- Venue-specific benefits.
- Viability of the proposed upgrades.
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.
- A venue where live music is the primary function of the business
- A venue which programmes predominately new and original work.
- Live music is programmed for a minimum of 3 nights a week.
- Identified as essential to the live music ecosystem (touring or local)
- Has formal arrangements in place establishing payments for artist performances.
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.
Yes. Sound NSW may contact grantees up to three years after funding to evaluate program outcomes and impact.