Deadline Date: February 09, 2026
The NSW Government has opened applications for the live music venues in New South Wales can apply for the Venue Upgrade Grants 2025-26 to support equipment purchases and infrastructure works that enhance audience experiences and operational performance.
The focus areas, objectives, and priorities of the program include building the capability of dedicated live music venues to deliver world-class audience and visitor experiences, increasing the number of fit-for-purpose live music venues in NSW, strengthening sector knowledge and expertise in best practice sound management and sustainable live music programming, reducing sound impact on neighbouring communities to lower complaints and improve business viability, increasing diversity of live music offerings, and supporting investments in infrastructure and production equipment.
The grants provide funding of up to $150,000 (ex GST) to support both equipment and infrastructure improvements. Infrastructure works eligible for funding include soundproofing, ventilation, accessibility upgrades, and energy efficiency improvements. Funding may also cover the purchase of production equipment, including sound, lighting, and staging systems.
The program is administered by Sound NSW, under the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport, and aims to enhance the quality, sustainability, and diversity of live music venues throughout the state. By investing in both infrastructure and equipment, the grants seek to create safe, accessible, and technically capable venues that can host world-class performances while maintaining strong relationships with local communities.
For more information, visit NSW Government.
