Soundproofing Grants for Live Music Venues

To apply for entry to the program, applicants will need to provide

• evidence of sound complaints (for example, a letter from council or Liquor and Gaming NSW)

             and/or 

• evidence of a plan to increase or commence live music offerings that are restricted by insufficient sound mitigation measures (for example, a letter from the building owner, council or regulatory body).

As well as

• demonstration of contribution to the live music ecosystem (for example, a letter of support from a booking agency or entertainment agency, proof of live music events such as photos, a website or a publicly available program)
• additional information including liquor and music licenses (if applicable) and venue type and capacity
• confirmation of capacity to co-contribute at least 30% to the overall project budget.

Applicants must provide all requested information. Where this information has not been provided, Sound NSW reserves the right to seek further information or clarification or set the application aside from further consideration. 

The information will be assessed by a panel of senior representatives from NSW Government departments, including Hospitality and Racing, the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, and Create NSW to determine eligibility for entering the program. 

Sound NSW will provide successful applicants access to a certified acoustic expert to assess their venue’s requirements and produce an acoustic assessment report. 

Applicants with an existing acoustic assessment report are required to provide the report at Step 1. 

The value of the assessment will be up to $10,000. Additional acoustic assessment costs will need to be paid for by the applicant.

Sound NSW will also provide successful applicants with planning and project management support. 

Once the acoustic assessment is completed, applicants will be required to provide

• A project plan including a scope of works for sound mitigation works to be completed 
• A project budget, including a minimum two quotes for any labour or purchase and confirmation of a contingency fund of a minimum 10% of the overall project budget. 
• Confirmation of a cash co-contribution of at least 30% to the overall project budget. 
• Confirmed lease with a minimum 12-month agreement where premises are not owned.   
• Letter of consent from the building ownerwhere premises are not owned. 
• A Live Music venue licence (if available).

Sign up to the Sound NSW enews to be alerted to future funding opportunities.

Step 1 Grant Application

• Pre-eligibility screening
• Application assessment by panel 
• Applicants notified if successful for an acoustic assessment 
• Acoustic assessments carried out 

Step 2 Grant Application - support materials

• To be submitted following acoustic assessment report 

Notification of funding outcomes

• end June 2024

Project Timeline

• Works to be completed as per the project plan by 30 June 2025
• Milestone One – 70% of approved funds on approval of project plan and budget and execution of funding deed.
• Milestone Two – Remaining 30% of approved funds on acquittal of the project.

PART 1

• Read the program guidelines to check your eligibility - see Eligibility above
• Start your application via the SmartGrants Portal​ - see below
• Provide evidence of sound complaints (e.g., a letter from council or Liquor and Gaming NSW), and/or evidence of a plan to increase or commence live music offerings that are restricted by insufficient sound mitigation measures (e.g., a letter from the building owner, council or regulatory body)​
• Demonstrate your venue's contribution to the live music ecosystem (e.g., a letter of support from a booking agency or entertainment agency, proof of live music events such as photos, a website or a publicly available program)​
• Provide additional information including liquor and music licenses (if applicable) and venue type and capacity​
• Confirm your capacity to make a cash co-contribution of at least 30% to the overall project budget​
• Submit Part 1 of your application 

PART 2

Submit the following support materials to your application via the SmartyGrants Portal:

• A project plan (including a scope of works) for sound mitigation works to be completed by June 2025.​
• A project budget including minimum 2 quotes for any labour or purchase, and confirmation of a contingency fund of a minimum 10% of the overall project budget. ​
• Confirmation of a cash co-contribution of at least 30% to the overall project budget ​
• Confirmed lease with minimum 12-month agreement where premises are not owned 
• Letter of consent from the building owner where premises are not owned.​
• A Live Music venue licence (if available). ​
• Submit Part 2 of your application within 21 days of receiving the acoustic assessment report. 

Applicants will be assessed against the following criteria:

• Viability

  • Detailed project plan, which:

    • Includes a proposed scope of work which identifies effective sound mitigation measures based on acoustic consultant report

    • Sets out a realistic timeframe

  • Detailed project budget, which:
    • Identifies ability to make a 30% cash contribution to overall project budget
    • Confirms a contingency fund of minimum 10% of overall budget

    • Provides copies of 2 quotes for each labour or purchase expense.

       

• Benefit to the Live music eco-system
  • Support letter from business owner for sound mitigation works where premises not owned

  • Confirmation of Live Music licence (if available)