Key information
- Status: Open
- Grant amount: Up to $20,000
- Application opened: 20 August 2026
- Application closes: 17 September 2026, 2:00 pm
Program objective
Venues who demonstrate a commitment to increasing live music programming may apply for grants to support advice from consultants and experts to create fit-for-purpose venues.
Advice may include:
- assessment reports to support infrastructure development (e.g. soundproofing, ventilation, accessibility)
- development application and planning expenses
- legal services and licensing consultants
- energy efficiency audits.
Advice and Planning will be offered three times, with applications closing:
- Thursday 17 September 2026 – for activity starting after 19 October
- Monday 23 November 2026 – for activity starting after 11 January 2027
- Monday 3 May 2027 – for activity starting after 7 June.
This funding aims to:
- build capability of dedicated live music venues to deliver world class audience and visitor experiences
- increase the number of fit-for-purpose live music venues in NSW
- increase sector knowledge and expertise in best practice sound management and sustainable live music programming
- reduce sound impact on neighbours, leading to less complaints and increased business viability
- increase diversity of live music offerings
- increase accessibility and access within venues
- improve venue energy and climate sustainability.
The Venue Upgrade Grants are funded by the NSW Government and administered by Sound NSW within the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport.
This program is administered by Sound NSW (Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport).
Eligibility
Who can apply
This funding program is open to NSW contemporary live music venue owners and operators who demonstrate a commitment to increasing live music programming.
Applicants must satisfy ONE of the following criteria:
- be an incorporated entity or trust (including a trust with a corporate or individual trustee) and hold an Australian Business Number (ABN), Australian Company Number (ACN)
- be registered with NSW Fair Trading under the Associations Incorporation Act 2009 or the Co-operatives National Law (NSW) set out in the appendix to the Co-operatives (Adoption of National Law) Act 2012
Applicants must also:
- hold a lease or occupancy agreement with at least two years from the application close date remaining of the current term (where the premises aren’t owned by the operator).
- provide a support letter from premises (building) owner for proposed grant where premises not owned by the applicant
- have majority Australian ownership
- hold a OneMusic licence for Live Music performances.
For the purpose of this program, a contemporary live music venue refers to a venue that:
- is licensed or unlicensed
- has a room or space dedicated to live music that is a significant part of the venue and contains appropriate infrastructure to support regular performances, for example, a separate auditorium, lighting, a sound desk, etc
- has formal arrangements in place establishing payments for artist performances
- has ongoing and regular live music programming
- programs artists and acts performing new and original contemporary music.
Examples of venue types may include, but are not limited to small bars, hotels, clubs (including DJ performance venues) and community halls.
Please see the frequently asked questions for more info and definitions.
Number of applications
- you can only submit one application per round
- you can only receive one Advice and Planning grant per financial year
- you can only receive two Sound NSW grants through competitive programs per financial year.
Types of projects funded under this grant
Grants up to the value of $20,000 may support advice from consultants and experts to create fit-for-purpose venues such as:
- assessment reports to support infrastructure development (e.g. soundproofing, ventilation, accessibility)
- development application and planning expenses
- legal services and licensing consultants
- energy efficiency audits.
Who can’t apply
- any business or organisation located outside NSW
- venues with member-only access i.e. venues not usually accessible by the general public (e.g. venues primarily hosting private invite-only functions)
- venues with more than 10 gaming machines
- venues operated by Government (Federal, State or Local), or Education providers. Crown leased properties are eligible where operated by an otherwise eligible entity.
- religious institutions
- venues that are vessels (boats on water) or mobile venues of no fixed address
- venues unable to provide a co-contribution at least 30% of the overall project budget
- applicants who have outstanding acquittals from previous NSW Government funding
- businesses or organisations that have already received an Advice and Planning grant this financial year (based on closing date)
- businesses or organisations that have already received two Sound NSW grants this financial year (based on closing date).
What costs you can't apply for
- assessment reports unrelated to infrastructure works or development applications (eg staging/lighting concept design, program design)
- infrastructure works, labour costs and the purchase of equipment (Please refer to the Infrastructure and Equipment grants).
What co-contributions are required
Applicants must contribute at least 30% in cash to the overall project budget.
What your application needs to include
Prepare your application with this checklist
Applicants must submit the following as part of their application. These materials will all form part of the assessment:
- an outline of your experience in delivering contemporary music programming
- evidence of delivering contemporary music programming, including examples of diverse programming, key personnel, relationships with artists and music businesses, and letters of support
- evidence of the venues impact on the contemporary live music ecosystem
- an outline of the advice and consultation you are seeking, and how it will support improvements that enable the venue to be fit-for purpose
- a quote for each budget item
- a project plan and budget including 30% cash co-contribution and 10% contingency.
Address the eligibility criteria
Each applicant, as part of an application response, must confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria.
Applicants that do not address the eligibility criteria in full may be excluded from the application process at the department's discretion.
Address the assessment criteria
Applications (including written responses and supporting documentation) will be assessed against the following criteria.
1. Impact to the contemporary live music ecosystem (50%)
Evidence of new and original contemporary music programming, the established relationships with artist and music businesses and how this is increasing diversity of live music to improve audience experiences.
Tell us in detail about:
- your experience in delivering contemporary music programming (include examples)
- the key people involved in delivering live music programming
- demonstrated diversity of live music programming
- support letters from relevant artists and music businesses.
2. Benefit to the live music venue (50%)
Evidence that this grant will enable improvements for the venue to be fit-for purpose, enhance expertise and establish best practice business operations.
Tell us in detail about:
- what improvements you are seeking the grant for and how this will ensure the venue is fit-for-purpose for live music programming
- if the venue is not owned by you - provide a letter of support from the venue owner confirming their support for the proposed grant activity
- provide a quote for advice
- provide a budget including 30% cash co-contribution and 10% contingency.
Additional Considerations
Sound NSW is committed to a diverse contemporary music sector in NSW and encourages applications from venues owned and operated by, or that cater for, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people who identify as women and non-binary, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and venues located in Western Sydney and regional and remote communities.
Minimum fees for musicians
The NSW Government requires that all musicians involved in publicly funded events receive a minimum performance fee of $250 (plus superannuation). All applicants must demonstrate they meet this requirement in their proposed budget.
Start the application
Sound NSW uses the secure online grants system, SmartyGrants, to manage all its grant programs. Applications must be submitted via the online portal. You will receive an email confirmation of your application from SmartyGrants when your application has been accepted.
Note: If you are a new applicant to SmartyGrants, you will need to register and create a password. If you are already registered, you can log in with your existing username and password.
Late Submissions
Late submissions will generally not be accepted. However, consideration may be given to requests where the applicant can demonstrate significant issues outside of their control.
Where these issues prevent an application being made on time, you must make a request in writing to the Sound NSW team at info@sound.nsw.gov.au on or before the application closing date with supporting evidence.
Note: If you are a new applicant to SmartyGrants, you will need to register and create a password. If you are already registered, you can log in with your existing username and password.
Apply now
After the application is submitted
Successful applications will be decided by: Head of Sound NSW.
Eligibility
Applications will be initially reviewed by Sound NSW staff to ensure they meet eligibility requirements, and all application materials are acceptable. If your application is deemed ineligible, you will be advised by email within 14 days of the assessment.
Application Review
If your application is eligible, the application will be evaluated by an assessment panel including representatives from Sound NSW and Create NSW as well as a representative with relevant experience from the industry assessor pool based on the criteria and guidelines.
Assessment panel members will be provided with the application(s) and each Assessment panel member will score the applicants responses against each criterion using the scoring methodology provided, prior to a formal panel meeting.
Assessment panel scores will be collated and discussed at an assessment panel meeting. Panel members will agree on final consensus scores for each applicant and each criterion. Applications must rate Claims fully substantiated against all criterion, to be recommended to the designated decision-maker for the award of a grant. The assessment panel will also have oversight from a probity representative.
The assessment panel will make their recommendations to the designated decision-maker and successful applications will be approved by the Head of Sound NSW, based on recommendations from industry assessors.
Please note that funding allocation follows a competitive process. Evaluations will consider the assessment criteria outlined above and the availability of Sound NSW funds.
Application Outcome
Applicants will be notified of the decision within 4 weeks of the assessment date.
Sound NSW will provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants. The format of this feedback may vary depending on the quantity of applications and the resources available.
Assessment process considerations
Applicants should note that:
- the NSW Government typically receives far more applications than it can support.
- you are not guaranteed funding even if your application meets the published criteria.
- if you are successful, your application may not be funded to the amount you requested.
Sound NSW may, at its sole discretion and at any stage of the application process, do all or any of the following:
- require additional information from an applicant
- may request applicants to provide clarification or additional information regarding the eligibility criteria
- change the scope of the requirements of these guidelines
- vary, amend (including by replacement), or terminate the application process
- re-open an application after the closing date, provided it doesn’t give the applicant an advantage over other applicants
- consider any non-conforming or late application
- request further advice and/or clarification from applicants during the assessment process.
Successful grant applications
If your application is successful, you will be sent a funding agreement (contract), generally within one month of notification. This outlines the conditions of funding, how you will be paid and your grant reporting requirements.
Contracts will not be issued, and payments will not be made, until all NSW government outstanding acquittals have been submitted.
Sound NSW staff will review required reporting, outlined below, and may contact you for additional information as part of this process.
Payment will be dependent on when the signed Funding Agreement has been returned to Sound NSW, as well as any special conditions, variations or outstanding acquittals being satisfactorily completed.
Publication of grants information
The Grants Administration Guide (Guide) requires that certain information is published in relation to grants awarded no later than 45 calendar days after the grant agreement takes effect (see section 6.5 of the Guide and Appendix A to the Guide).
This information is also open access information under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW) (GIPA Act), which must be made publicly available unless there is an overriding public interest against disclosure of the information.
In accordance with these requirements, relevant information about the grants awarded will be made available on the NSW Government Grants and Funding Finder as soon as possible after the funding agreement is executed. However, if due to the commercial-in-confidence nature of the information provided, the amount of funding provided will not be published.
All records in relation to this decision will be managed in accordance with the requirements of the State Records Act 1998 (NSW).
- If you agree we will publish your name, your LGA, primary location, artform, project title and description and amount of funding for media and communication purposes
- This is subject to privacy legislation
Acknowledgement of NSW Government and Sound NSW
As a recipient of Government funding, you will be expected to acknowledge the support of the NSW Government through Sound NSW in all publications, promotional and advertising materials and public announcements.
Reporting
Successful applicants will be required to provide a project and financial acquittal at the end of the funding period.
Program evaluation
The Program will be evaluated to measure how well the outcomes and objectives have been achieved.
We may collect and use information from your application and reports for this purpose. We may also interview you or ask you for more information to help us understand how the Program impacted you and to evaluate how effective the project was in achieving its outcomes.
We may contact you up to three years after you receive the final grant payment associated with the grant round for more information to assist with this evaluation. Create NSW and the NSW Audit Office reserves the right to undertake an audit of Program funding and support within seven years.
Support and contact
Sound NSW staff are available to provide technical advice and general information to potential applicants on the interpretation of these guidelines, including the types of activity eligible for funding and support with the online application process.
Sound NSW staff cannot help directly with your application. To maintain a fair and equitable process, staff cannot edit or correct any applications or provide advice on the content or choices required against the Assessment Criteria.
For further information or clarification, please contact:
- Rosie Saul, Venue Support Coordinator
- Email: info@sound.nsw.gov.au
- Phone number: (02) 9228 3603
Schedule an online meeting to speak to Sound NSW staff using the link to Microsoft Bookings.
Visit our website: Sound NSW
For further information please read the frequently asked questions.
Image credit: Cut Copy performing at the Beach Hotel, Byron Bay. Photo by Tom Norton.
Complaint handling
Details on how we handle complaints, access to information and your private information is available at:
Privacy, information access, funding feedback, complaints - Sound NSW | NSW Government
Access to information
The Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA) provides for the proactive release of government information by agencies and gives members of the public an enforceable right to access government information held by an agency (which includes Ministerial offices). Access to government information is only to be restricted if there is an overriding public interest against disclosure.
The NSW Legislative Council has the power to order the production of State papers by the Executive Government. Standing Order 52 provides that the House may order documents to be tabled by the Government in the House. The Cabinet Office coordinates the preparation of the papers – that is, the return to order.
The return to order may contain privileged and public documents. Privileged documents are available only to members of the Legislative Council.
Note that documents submitted as part of a grant application may be subject to an application under GIPA or an order for papers under Standing Order 52.
Further information on how DCITHS holds information, and how to access it, is available at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/dciths/policies-plans-and-procedures/access-to-information/agency-information-guide
Conflict of interest management
Any conflicts of interest will be managed in accordance with NSW Government Grants Administration Guide.
A conflict of interest, or perceived conflict of interest, may be identified if staff, any member of a committee or advisor and/or you or any of your personnel:
- has a professional, commercial, or personal relationship with a party who can influence the application selection process, or
- has a relationship with or interest in, an organisation, which is likely to interfere with or restrict the applicants from carrying out the proposed activities fairly and independently, or
- has a relationship with, or interest in, an organisation from which they will receive personal gain because the organisation received a grant under the grant program.
In the instance the Expression of Interest approver (Head of Sound NSW) has a conflict of interest, the Executive Director, 24-Hour, Screen and Sound will be the approver. In their absence or in the instance they have a conflict, the Deputy Secretary 24-Hour, Screen and Sound will be the approver.
If you identify an actual, apparent, or perceived conflict of interest at any time, you must inform Sound NSW immediately. Staff can be contacted 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday via info@sound.nsw.gov.au or 02 9372 8662.
NSW Government staff, committee members and other officials including the decision maker must declare any conflicts of interest and ensure they are managed as per the DCITHS Code of Ethics and Conduct and the Grants Administration Guide.