Sound NSW

Sound NSW is a dedicated office within the NSW Government committed to the growth, development and promotion of contemporary music in NSW.

Rapper Mike Champion and the Cool performing at the 4E Hip Hop Festival in Sydney. Photo taken by Renae Saxby

NSW Contemporary Music Strategy

Understand the NSW Government’s commitment to strengthening the NSW music industry and highlighting the economic and cultural importance of this thriving landscape.

Download the strategy

Ocean Alley performing at The Hordern Pavilion

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About Sound NSW

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Three musicians on a stage for Byron Music Festival. One musician is jumping in the air with a guitar; another is playing the keyboard, and the third is in the background playing the electric guitar.

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PEPTALK performs on stage at BIGSOUND in Brisbane.

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Latest opportunities

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Venue Upgrade Grants

Applications are now open for Sound NSW's Venue Upgrade Grants. 

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Zoe Catterall of The Buoys playing guitar on stage with hair blown back
Touring and Travel Fund

Applications are now open for Sound NSW's Touring and Travel Fund. 

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Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund
Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund

Applications open 18 September

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NSW Government offices supporting the creative economy

Screen NSW

Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner

Create NSW

Latest Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport updates

Ministerial media release
28 April 2025

Construction begins on new West Ryde Multi-Sports Facility

The rapidly growing Ryde area is set to benefit from a huge new local multi-sports facility being delivered by the Minns Labor Government, with construction now underway on the site.
Ministerial media release
24 April 2025

Port Stephens to take line honours as global sailing destination

The Minns Labor Government is charting the course for Port Stephens to become a global sailing destination when Newcastle Airport’s upgraded international terminal opens in August 2025.
Ministerial media release
20 April 2025

Revealed: the music festivals that received a financial lifeline

The NSW Government has stepped in to help five music festivals avoid the fate suffered by many others forced to fold since the pandemic.
Ministerial media release
19 April 2025

Loving the nightlife as Byron Bay becomes first entertainment precinct outside Sydney

The iconic North Coast town of Byron Bay will become the first regional area to establish a trial Special Entertainment Precinct to promote and preserve its nightlife.
Ministerial media release
15 April 2025

Wanderer Festival set to return as jewel of the Sapphire Coast

The NSW Sapphire Coast will once again provide a stunning backdrop for one of the country’s most distinctive cultural celebrations, as the Minns Labor Government investment has ensured the return of the Wanderer Festival at Pambula Beach over the October long weekend, 4-5 October 2025.

State of the Scene 2024

Sound NSW has released a report showing for the first time the full landscape of the live music ecosystem across the state.

Read more on State of the Scene 2024

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