The latest Sound NSW Venue Upgrade Grants are now open, helping to breathe new life into live music venues
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.
First launched in 2023, the Venue Upgrade Grants offer financial and practical support for NSW venues to address sound management challenges, uplift sector expertise and increase the number of fit-for-purpose venues across the state.
The program is also intended to provide investment in venues across regional NSW and Western Sydney to increase their live music programming.
As part of a revamped program, support will continue under the priority areas of Advice and Planning and Infrastructure and Equipment – with a third funding stream now added to incentivise venues to invest in Advanced Screen and Lighting Technology.
The program will be delivered across the three streams as follows:
Venue Upgrade Grants – Advice & Planning
Now delivered twice in a financial year, the program aims to uplift sector knowledge and expertise. Funding of up to $20,000 will help venues access best-practice advice from consultants and experts, including guidance on development applications and planning expenses, legal services, licensing consultants, energy efficiency audits and assessment reports.
Venue Upgrade Grants – Infrastructure & Equipment
Funding of up to $150,000 will support venues with a range of infrastructure development works and the purchase of production equipment. The program aims to build the capability of dedicated live music venues to deliver world-class visitor experiences and generate greater live music diversity and vibrancy in communities.
Venue Upgrade Grants – Advanced Screen and Lighting Technology
Funding of up to $200,000 for venues under 1000 capacity and funding of up to $500,000 for venues over 1000 capacity, will provide venues the means to invest in advanced screen and lighting technology helping to enhance audience experience. Only dedicated live music venues that have previously received funding through the 2024-25 Venue Upgrade Grants and 2023-24 Soundproofing Grants are eligible.
To help interested venues navigate the application process and learn more about the grants program, Sound NSW will be hosting online information sessionsover the coming weeks. The sessions will provide an overview of the funding that is available, details on updated eligibility for the program, application tips and information on assessment criteria, plus a Q&A with Sound NSW representatives. For more information on Venue Upgrade Grants or to register for one of the information sessions visit the Sound NSW website.
Head of Sound NSW Emily Collins said:
“The Venue Upgrade Grants program is designed to breathe new life into venues that nurture local talent and bring people together. This type of support is part of our commitment to reinvigorating live music right across the state whether that be in historic venues in the heart of Sydney or emerging venues in our vibrant regional centres.”
“The delivery of the 2024/25 grants program saw a total of 39 venues receive much needed support. This included 15 regional venues and 24 metropolitan venues, with a total investment of $5.06 million.”
“Through the great feedback we received from our grant recipients we know these grants help address the real-world problems many live music venues face such as outdated sound systems, accessibility issues and urgent building upgrades. By helping more live music venues thrive we are building a strong and sustainable future for live music in NSW.”
Daniel Whitten, Owner, Tamworth Hotel said:
“The Tamworth Hotel is proud to be a previous recipient of the Venue Upgrade Grants. The program enabled us to provide better facilities for musicians through increasing the size of our performance stage and updating the back of house AV equipment, mixers, amplifiers.”
“The patrons get a better experience at our venue, with improved speakers and lights. Most importantly, the Venue Upgrade Grants allowed us to future-proof our venue, lowering costs and increasing energy efficiency with the installation of a solar power system and battery as well as soundproofing to prevent noise complaints and keep our neighbours happy.”
Nathan Stratton, Owner / Operator at La La Las in Wollongong said:
“The Sound NSW Venue Upgrade grants program has helped us achieve a world-class audio and lighting experience for our punters. Now that we are all spec'd up, we can now attract more diverse programming to our regional city.”
“These grants are unique because they assist dedicated live music venues.
The funding opportunities address the key issues that are forcing some rooms to close. We are so thankful for the support from Sound NSW. Without the Upgrade grants, I can safely say we would not still exist as a venue. Grassroots live music venues need to be supported and cherished.”
“We are often the first stage experience for many artists to perform and without that first opportunity, there is no gateway for career progression to larger rooms, stadiums nor festival opportunities down the track.”