GRANT-NSW Venue Upgrade Grants - Advice and Planning
2026-04-22 08:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Sydney)
Provides venues who demonstrate a commitment to increasing live music programming with 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.
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 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), or
– 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 2 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.
Examples of venue types may include, but are not limited to small bars, hotels, clubs (including DJ performance venues) and community halls.
Applicants are required to contribute 30% in cash to the overall project budget.
Click here to view full funding guidelines on the provider’s website.
