This funding program supports local music events that build new audiences and encourage the participation of young people.
More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
April 2026
What was approved
Approved for BAD FRIDAY PTY LIMITED (The Music And Booze Co - Business Registration)
King Street Crawl is free, 1 day festival that activates Newtown as a continuous live music circuit (12pm - 2am). A celebration of Newtown's music, youth culture, and community: 250+ showcases by emerging Artists 40+ venues, boosted by new audiences All Ages program, encouraging young people to experience live music.
$100,000 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Marrickville 2204, Newtown 2042Location of the recipient
Marrickville 2204About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
What was approved
Approved for Bandaid Bookings & Festivals Pty Ltd
A one-day, multi-venue contemporary music festival spanning 10 stages across 9 venues, showcasing over 300 local musicians in Midtown, Newcastle West. The initiative benefits NSW artists, venues and audiences by increasing visibility for local music, strengthening collaboration and supporting sustainable, community-focused music activity.
$75,000 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Hamilton North 2292, Newcastle West 2302Location of the recipient
Hamilton North 2292About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
What was approved
Approved for BEASTMODE WORLD PTY LTD
Dynasty of Style is an all ages, free, bi-monthly show at Metro Social in Sydney. It features a mix of Australian hardcore bands, with a specific focus on emerging artists. It is co-presented by beastmode and Sydney hardcore band SPEED.
$94,000 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Sydenham 2044, Sydney 2000Location of the recipient
Sydenham 2044About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
What was approved
Approved for Bodega Collective
Free all-ages Pass the Mic live music events, artist workshops and youth panels in Nowra, Newcastle and Parramatta. This project empowers First Nations, regional and Western Sydney youth to perform, connect and build local music communities through skill-building and stage opportunities.
$100,000 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Annandale 2038, Parramatta 2150Location of the recipient
Annandale 2038About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
What was approved
Approved for Bulli Black Diamond District
Nightjar Collective is a series of four seasonal, all-ages micro-festivals in Bulli that combine live contemporary music with environmental stewardship and place-based activation. The project reinvigorates Bulli’s live music identity through multi-venue programming, building new audiences via shared custodianship and local music experiences
$40,000 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Bulli 2516Location of the recipient
Bulli 2516About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
What was approved
Approved for Central Coast Music and Arts Inc
Gossy Weekender is a three-day, multi-venue live music, arts and cultural event across the Gosford CBD. Activities include diverse performances, all-ages events, and interactive activities that encourage discovery, grow new audiences for artists, increase venue participation and patronage, and strengthen Gosford’s emerging live music precinct.
$100,000 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Empire Bay 2257, Gosford 2250Location of the recipient
Empire Bay 2257About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
What was approved
Approved for Cumberland City Council
All ages contemporary live music event at the Granville Centre, designed and delivered by a supported Young People festival producer group. Through workshops, mentoring and hands‑on event production, they will program local artists, build skills, and grow diverse Western Sydney audiences, strengthening participation and pathways in NSW contemporary music.
$100,000 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Granville 2142, Merrylands 2160Location of the recipient
Merrylands 2160About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
What was approved
Approved for Friends with Strangers
Superposition is a multi-disciplinary arts festival in the Blue Mountains exploring themes of place, ecology, and cultural exchange through music, experimental art, performance and the natural environment. The festival creates immersive experiences across unique venues, connecting local, national, and international artists with the region's profound natural landscape and creative community
$99,999 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Enmore 2350, Katoomba 2780Location of the recipient
Enmore 2350About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
What was approved
Approved for Gig Big Pty Ltd
River Sounds is an all-ages, multi-stage contemporary music festival in Bellingen, showcasing local and youth programming alongside leading national artists. The event celebrates regional creativity, supports emerging talent, and delivers inclusive, accessible live music experiences that attract audiences from across Australia while strengthening community connection.
$67,400 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Bellingen 2454Location of the recipient
Bellingen 2454About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
What was approved
Approved for HEARTDANCERS
Three contemporary music events across Sydney and Central Coast celebrating First Nations and CALD musicians through live performance, multidisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement. Benefits 44+ musicians with professional opportunities while building diverse all-ages audiences. Outcomes include strengthened cultural networks, enhanced contemporary music sector diversity, and expanded performance pathways.
$41,360 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Pearl Beach 2256Location of the recipient
Pearl Beach 2256About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
What was approved
Approved for Legend Arts Inc
SKATE X SOUND is a diverse, high energy all‑ages contemporary music event responding to strong youth demand in Kiama. Showcasing rising early‑career and emerging music artists, the music program is complemented with dynamic skateboarding elements. Supported by local industry and co‑design it strengthens audiences and energises Kiama’s grassroots music ecosystem.
$99,127 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Kiama 2533, Wollongong 2500Location of the recipient
Wollongong 2500About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
What was approved
Approved for Luke Campbell
The Aloha Festival is an all-ages grass roots contemporary music event to support the creative industry and provide a platform for artists from regional NSW, Western Sydney and NSW Government priority groups. It will foster community and cultural collaboration, promote environmental sustainability and raises awareness for shark surveillance / education.
$100,000 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Collaroy 2097, Narraweena 2099Location of the recipient
Narraweena 2099About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
What was approved
Approved for Milton Folk Jazz and Blues Festival Incorporated
The Milton Folk, Jazz & Blues Festival is a volunteer‑run, not‑for‑profit event delivering world class contemporary music programming that builds music audiences across the NSW South Coast. With most events free, the festival strengthens regional participation by showcasing local artists, inspiring collaboration, engaging community, and creating inclusive, all‑ages music experiences.
$80,920 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Milton 2538, Narrawallee 2539Location of the recipient
Narrawallee 2539About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
What was approved
Approved for Night Eats Day Pty Ltd
We will deliver a monthly, All Ages live music series at LaLaLa’s, Wollongong. Showcasing touring and local NSW artists, giving U18 audiences & bands access to experiences typically limited to 18+. Culminating in an AA outdoor mini-festival in Globe Lane utilising bands & audiences built throughout the initiative.
$100,000 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Bellambi 2518, Wollongong 2500Location of the recipient
Bellambi 2518About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
What was approved
Approved for Noisy Music Group
Never Had So Much Fun is a youth focused, all ages live music event established in 2023 at Drifters Wharf, Central Coast. Pairing nationally recognised artists with emerging local acts, it supports audience development. The 2026 summer series expands to Coffs Harbour, Elizabeth Beach and the Central Coast.
$96,000 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Terrigal 2260Location of the recipient
Terrigal 2260About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
What was approved
Approved for ORDINARY GROUP PTY LTD
Port Kembla Festival is an annual community event hosted across ten unique spaces on Wentworth St, Port Kembla. The initiative expands on the programming to include an additional five local venues, business and public spaces. This increases the event capacity by 75% and local artist opportunity by more than 80%.
$35,872 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Port Kembla 2505, Wollongong 2500Location of the recipient
Wollongong 2500About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
What was approved
Approved for Penrith Performing & Visual Arts
Sounds Fresh Music Festival will deliver a multi-stage contemporary music event at The Joan, activating four dedicated live performance spaces. The festival will amplify Western Sydney musicians, prioritising emerging artists aged 18-25, and expand all‑ages access to live contemporary music, featuring headline acts, youth workshops and industry engagement opportunities.
$100,000 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Penrith 2750Location of the recipient
Penrith 2750About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
What was approved
Approved for PROP RECORDS PTY LTD
Prop Records will deliver an all-ages music program featuring an in-store performance series and showcases at Oxford Art Factory and Paddington Town Hall. This year-round initiative includes major activations with Parramatta Lanes and PAS, providing safe music access for youth and paid opportunities for First Nations and emerging NSW talent.
$53,689 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Ashfield 2131Location of the recipient
Ashfield 2131About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
What was approved
Approved for Red Floor Productions Pty ltd, Trading as Dashville
Support established regional live music venue, Dashville, to develop further as a premium regional live music concert venue, through the development of the Dashville Nights Concert Series, with a focus on growing local live music audiences, showcasing local artists and increasing live music opportunities for young people of regional NSW.
$67,500 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Lower Belford 2335Location of the recipient
Lower Belford 2335About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
What was approved
Approved for Regional Arts and Cultural Development Australia
Currambene Festival will be an annual festival in Jervis Bay (Currambene) on the South Coast of NSW. Showcasing the established and emerging talent of local artists, musicians and cultural educators, Currambene Festival is a celebration of the shared history of Jervis Bay and the thriving cultural life of the community.
$50,000 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Bomaderry 2541, Huskisson 2540Location of the recipient
Bomaderry 2541About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
What was approved
Approved for Speed Drive INC
‘The Gong Crawl 2026’ (TGC) is a music and creative arts one-day festival, showcasing Illawarra’s established, emerging and youth artists across multiple venues. The project will create paid employment for 400+ Individual creative industry workers and stimulate the CBD through the provision of socioeconomically accessible live entertainment in Regional NSW.
$94,337 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Austinmer 2515Location of the recipient
Austinmer 2515About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
What was approved
Approved for Steven Cole
A DIY, 18+ festival (with limited supervised youth access) showcasing diverse, independent Australian punk and underground artists. The festival strengthens Sydney’s grassroots music community, fostering inclusivity, cultural diversity, gender balance, and LGBTQIA+ representation, while providing emerging artists opportunities to perform, network, and connect with audiences.
$17,000 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Marrickville 2204, Minto 2566Location of the recipient
Minto 2566About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
What was approved
Approved for Talent Development Project Inc
The Circuit is an all-ages live music program supporting young, regionally-based artists to present local gigs, while building new metropolitan audience through a showcase series at TDP partner venues. Featuring emerging and established TDP alumni artists, The Circuit grows opportunities for all-ages programming, enabling audience cross-pollination fanbase and audience development.
$51,700 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Waterloo 2017Location of the recipient
Waterloo 2017About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
What was approved
Approved for Tamworth Regional Council
This project extends the life of the Bluebird Room and Listening Rooms at Tamworth Community Events Centre as year-round grassroots live music and development spaces. Building on Festival success, this supports local and regional artists, creates intimate, artist-first performance environments, strengthening Tamworth’s contemporary live music ecosystem beyond the festival period.
$78,500 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Tamworth 2340Location of the recipient
Tamworth 2340About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
What was approved
Approved for The Red Rattler Theatre Inc
Open Doors: Live Music for All is a new audience development program delivering accessible live music at The Red Rattler Theatre. Through free, pay-as-you-feel, low-cost and all ages events, the program supports bands and musicians, builds audiences into the future, and creates a welcoming live music experiences.
$100,000 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Marrickville 2204Location of the recipient
Marrickville 2204About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
What was approved
Approved for Thirroul Music Festival
Thirroul Music Festival will deliver new all-ages and local audience development programming alongside the festival, expanding opportunities for young people and first-time audiences to engage with live music. The project focuses on showcasing predominantly NSW and Illawarra-based artists, activating local venues, and strengthening community connection through accessible live music experiences
$25,000 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Thirroul 2515Location of the recipient
Thirroul 2515About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
What was approved
Approved for Willem Hendriksen
Sounds of Our Towns: is a Katoomba all-ages, multi-venue trail growing local audiences for NSW original music. Retro Rehash produces and quality-controls delivery while mentored venue owners curate genre rooms, activating local businesses to book local acts. Youth-alumni lead supervised all-ages stages in council sites, creating repeatable, year-round programming models.
$87,683 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Katoomba 2780Location of the recipient
Katoomba 2780About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
What was approved
Approved for Your Locals
An all ages heavy music showcase, bringing some of the biggest and most prominent names in heavy music within Australia to an inclusive, accessible and safe event within Western Sydney. The goal is to allow prominent touring acts' fans a more affordable event, allowing u18 fans to attend.
$20,000 was approved by
Secretary, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).Date approved
April 2026Location of the project
Blacktown 2148, Quakers Hill 2763Location of the recipient
Quakers Hill 2763About the grant
Applications approved
28
Applications received
120
Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming
Program term
30/06/2026More about Local Audience Development Grants - Live Music Events and All Ages Programming