Search Grants & Funding

Venues that 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

There will be two iterations of this grant program. Assessments will take place in December 2025 and May 2026.

• Round 1 – applications received between 21 November 2025 and 22 December 2025.
• Round 2 – applications received between 30 March 2026 and 4 May 2026.

This funding aims to:

• 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 for improved audience and visitor experience.

This quick response funding program is designed for domestic and international travel activity for NSW contemporary music artists, acts and music industry professionals.

Funding can support travel and accommodation costs for: 

Artists and Acts 

• domestic tours  
• domestic professional development opportunities, including performance at significant music market events, attendance at events, workshops, camps, mentorships and residencies 
• significant international professional development opportunities, including performance at significant international music market events, attendance at workshops, camps, mentorships and residencies. 

For domestic tours and performance at music markets, funding can support up to six people per touring party. This includes the artists and a maximum of two people with roles that support the artists to undertake the tour. These support roles include:      

• one operational crew member (e.g. tour manager or key technical production crew)       
• one support person for people with disability, family or cultural needs. 

Music Industry Professionals 

• domestic professional development opportunities for music industry professionals working in contemporary music to attend significant music market events and/or identified business opportunities 
• significant international professional development opportunities for music industry professionals working in contemporary music to attend international music market events and/or identified business opportunities. 

This program is open for applications until 24 April 2026, with applications assessed monthly. Applications submitted by 12pm (midday) on the last Friday of each month (excluding December) will be grouped together for assessment. Applicants will be notified of the decision within 4 weeks of this date. 

Eligibility

The fund is open to artists, acts and music industry professionals, as well as music businesses applying on behalf of an artist or act. 

Funding recipients must be: 

• 18 years or older 
• currently living in NSW (minimum 12 months) 
• performing or working in contemporary music. 

Applicants will need: 

• an active ABN (that’s your Australian Business Number) 
• a bank account with the same name as your ABN 
• or a funds administrator to help you out. 

For the purpose of this program contemporary music refers to artists and acts performing new and original music.     

• Artforms not supported through this program are:          
  • experimental music and sound art           
  • contemporary classical, opera, choral and ensembles           
  • music theatre          
  • working in and with community music groups.   
• These applicants should refer to Create NSW's Arts and Cultural Funding Program | NSW Government (ACFP) guidelines.