MUNASIB performing at MIXMAG. Photo by Ali Hasib.
NSW is home to a thriving and diverse contemporary music industry that makes a significant contribution to the state’s cultural, social and economic life.
Sound NSW invests in the growth, sustainability and global reach of NSW’s contemporary music sector through a suite of targeted funding programs, initiatives and strategic partnerships. We provide grants and support to NSW artists, live music venues, music businesses, organisations and industry professionals at all stages of their careers.
Our funding supports a wide range of activities, from the creation, recording and promotion of new music, to touring, live music venues, export and industry development opportunities in Australia and internationally. Through both project-based and longer-term funding programs, Sound NSW backs established organisations as well as emerging talent to help build a strong, sustainable music ecosystem across the state.
By supporting projects large and small, Sound NSW helps unlock new opportunities, strengthen careers and foster a more resilient contemporary music industry for NSW artists, audiences and communities.
2026/27 Grants
Touring and Travel Fund
The Touring and Travel Fund supports NSW contemporary music artists, acts and music industry professionals for domestic and international touring and professional development opportunities.
2025/26 Grants
All Ages Live Music Venue Program
The All-Ages Live Music Venue Program supports dedicated NSW live music venues with a demonstrated track record of delivering all-ages contemporary music events and a commitment to collaborating with young people to program events that build and engage new audiences
Venue Upgrade Grants
The Venue Upgrade Grants aim to increase the number of fit-for-purpose live music venues across NSW, uplift sector knowledge and expertise, improve audience experience and generate greater live music diversity and vibrance in communities.
Touring and Travel Fund
The Touring and Travel Fund supports domestic and international activity for NSW contemporary music artists, acts and music industry professionals.
Local Audience Development Grants
Local Audience Development Grants support music businesses and industry professionals to promote and connect local music communities to local audiences in order to grow audience engagement and attendance.
Generations - Western Sydney Music Fellowship
Generations is a fellowship program in partnership with Sound NSW, Powerhouse Museum and Blacktown Arts to support Western Sydney (early career) contemporary musicians/bands and their development within the NSW music industry.
Contemporary Music Development Grants
The Contemporary Music Development Grants support artists and acts to create and promote new music, enable music organisations to deliver significant sector development projects, and offer dedicated programs to support First Nations artists, acts and organisations.
Strategic Funding
Strategic Funding supports organisations and music businesses demonstrating industry leadership and significant engagement with contemporary music in NSW.
Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund
The Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund supports existing large-scale contemporary music festivals presented in NSW with a track record of delivering significant outcomes for contemporary music.
2024/25 Grants
Touring and Travel Fund
The Touring and Travel Fund supports domestic and international activity for NSW contemporary music artists, acts and music industry professionals.
Strategic Funding
Strategic Funding supports organisations and music businesses demonstrating industry leadership and significant engagement with contemporary music in NSW.
Contemporary Music Development Grants
The Contemporary Music Development Grants support artists and acts to create and promote new music, enable music organisations to deliver significant sector development projects, and offer dedicated programs to support First Nations artists, acts and organisations.
Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund
The Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund supports existing large-scale contemporary music festivals presented in NSW with a track record of delivering significant outcomes for contemporary music.
Venue Upgrade Grants
The Venue Upgrade Grants aim to increase the number of fit-for-purpose live music venues across NSW, uplift sector knowledge and expertise, improve audience experience and generate greater live music diversity and vibrance in communities.
2023/24 Grants
Recording and Promotion Grants
This funding program supports NSW contemporary musicians to record, release, and promote new original projects.
Touring and Travel Fund
The Touring and Travel Fund supports NSW artists and industry professionals with time-sensitive touring and travel for national and international shows and key industry events.
Soundproofing Grants for Live Music Venues
The Soundproofing Grants for Live Music Venues program supports existing and new NSW live music venues to achieve best-practice soundproofing and management.
Strategic Funding
Strategic Funding supports music organisations and businesses that drive the growth, development and promotion of contemporary music in NSW.
Find latest grants and funding
Discover open grant opportunities and view Sound NSW funding recipients via the Grants Finder.
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