This funding program supports contemporary music events and festivals to deliver new programming and activities that builds audiences, promotes NSW music, supports local music collaboration and provides opportunities for community connection through music.

The funding aims to:
– Build audiences and promote NSW music
– Increase local artist engagement with their local music scene or community
– Increase opportunities for all ages music event programming
– Strengthen community participation particularly in Western Sydney and regional NSW
– Amplify the work of priority communities to build a diverse contemporary music sector.

Funding is available for music businesses and industry professionals to generate new activity through the delivery of contemporary music events and festivals.

Contemporary music events and festivals must:
– Be presented in NSW
– Be majority Australian owned
– Program new and original contemporary music
– Have a maximum capacity of 15,000 OR have a primary focus of First Nations cultural priorities OR be based in regional NSW or Western Sydney
– Collaborate with local venues and community organisations to deliver new activity that supports growth in audiences
– Provide opportunities for local community connection
– Predominantly program local music artists and acts
– Program artists from NSW Government priority groups.

For the purpose of this program:
– A contemporary music event or festival refers to an event or festival that is predominantly programming artists and acts performing new and original music
– The event or festival can be new or established, but the activity you seek funding for must be new
– The event or festival can be ticketed or free to the public
– The event or festival can take place in existing venues or outdoor locations for public use
– Artforms not supported through this program are: experimental music and sound art, contemporary classical, opera, choral and ensembles.

50% of the program budget will be allocated to applications for activity in Western Sydney and regional NSW. Additional priority will be given to events that support NSW Government priority groups.

Funding can support, but is not limited to, activities such as:
– All ages music event activity that supports early career artists and industry professionals to establish and grow new music scenes or communities
– Local music events that connect local artists with local business and venues to build local audiences
– Festivals based in regional NSW and Western Sydney programming local artists and collaborating with local business and venues.

Funding up to $100,000 can support new or additional programming costs for contemporary music events and festival relating to:
– Artists fees
– Marketing and promotion
– Travel and accommodation costs
– Administrative costs.

Click here to view full funding guidelines on the provider’s website.