Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport media releases

The NSW Government’s new State of the Night report has captured the yearly change and growth of the state’s night-time economy to measure its impact for the first time.

With Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) trials rolling out across the state to support live music and local-going out districts, the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner will offer an additional $1.25 million to support more local councils looking to establish their own SEP trials.

Seven early-career visual artists have been shortlisted for the  2026 NSW Visual Arts Fellowship (Emerging).    

Live music venues across the state can once again apply for financial support to improve their audience experience and increase live music programming and infrastructure, with the next round of Sound NSW’s Venue Upgrade Grants now open. 

Creatives with disability looking to gain professional experience with leading NSW arts, screen and music organisations can now apply for accessible and inclusive internships for 2026.  

Regional business groups and organisations across the state looking to uplift their night-time economy will receive support to help them develop thriving, vibrant local economies day and night.    

Building on the success of the breakthrough Createability Internship Program, Create NSW, Screen NSW and Sound NSW are increasing the investment and inviting organisations across NSW to become 2026 Createability host organisations. 

Create NSW is calling for applications for its first round of 2025-26 Regional Arts Touring Fund, to support homegrown arts and cultural producers eager to take their exceptional shows and exhibitions out on the road to every corner of NSW. 

Sound NSW is proud to announce the esteemed Judging Panels and Nominations Committees for the 2025 NSW Music Prize, with those selected reflecting the vibrancy and depth of talent across the state’s music community. 

Hospitality venues across NSW can now apply for up to $80,000 in grant funds to diversify or expand their live performance offerings and bring even more vibrancy to the state’s nightlife.