Adrianne Armida
The Venue Upgrade Grants aim to increase the number of fit-for-purpose live music venues across NSW, uplift sector knowledge and expertise, and generate greater live music diversity and vibrancy in communities while significantly enhancing audience experiences.
Venue Upgrade Grants is split into two programs:
Advice & Planning
Funding up to $20,000 for live music venues to access best-practice advice from consultants and experts, including guidance on DA and planning expenses, legal services, consultants and venue assessment reports.
Applicants must provide at least a 30% cash co-contribution to the overall project budget.
Infrastructure & Equipment
Funding up to $150,000 for dedicated live music venues to purchase equipment and undertake infrastructure works or up to $300,000 for high-end audiovisual systems and advanced lighting technology.
Applicants must provide at least a 30% co-contribution to the overall project budget.
Key dates
Advice and Planning will be offered across three closing dates:
- Thursday 17 September 2026 – for activity starting after 19 October
- Monday 23 November 2026 – for activity starting after 28 December
- Monday 3 May 2027 – for activity starting after 7 June
Infrastructure and Equipment will run as a two-stage process:
- Stage one – Applications to the expression of interest round will close at 2pm on 28 September
- Stage two – Venues successful at the expression of interest round will be invited to submit a full application
Register for an information session
Sound NSW are hosting online information sessions to help you learn more about the programs and navigate the application process.
- Advice and Planning – register here for the session on Monday 31 August from 1pm – 1:45pm.
- Infrastructure and Equipment – register here for the session on Tuesday 1 September from 1pm – 1:45pm.
Application resources and support
FAQs
Interested in applying to the Venue Upgrade Grants? Find answers to frequently asked questions here.