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NSW All-Ages Live Music Programming 2026/27

NSW All-Ages Live Music Programming 2026/27

  • Up to $100,000 (excluding GST) to deliver a series of at least four all-ages events
  • Half the program budget is reserved for Western Sydney and regional NSW
  • One application per financial year, with a maximum of two competitive Sound NSW grants per year
  • Applications close: 9 November 2026
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All-Ages Live Music Programming supports music industry professionals and businesses to deliver series of all-ages contemporary music events that build new audiences and involve young people. It's aimed at applicants with a track record of delivering all-ages events and a commitment to working with young people on programming.

The program aims to build new live music audiences, increase the number and diversity of all-ages events, create performance opportunities for NSW artists, and build pathways for young people into programming and production. It also aims to deliver safe and compliant events, strengthen community participation in Western Sydney and regional NSW, and support a sustainable, youth-inclusive live music scene.

The program is run by Sound NSW within the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport.

Key Requirements

Applicant requirements

  • Be an industry professional or music business based in NSW
  • Hold an active ABN, with a bank account in the same name

Event requirements

  • Deliver at least four all-ages events in NSW
  • Program new and original contemporary music, mostly featuring local artists
  • Include artists from NSW Government priority groups: First Nations people, women and non-binary people, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse people, LGBTIQ+ people, people under 25, and people from Western Sydney and regional and remote communities
  • Deliver significant outcomes for young people aged 12 to 24
  • Have formal arrangements in place to pay performing artists

Youth collaboration
Applicants must work with a youth partner, such as an organisation, collective or promoter, to design and deliver the series, and provide evidence of this partnership.

Event flexibility
Events can be new or established, ticketed or free, and held in existing venues or public outdoor spaces. Venues may apply age limits, such as under-18s only, to meet compliance rules.

Applicants should read the  All-Ages Live Music Programming 2026/27 guidelines before applying.

What is eligible for funding?

Funding can cover:

  • Artist fees
  • Consultation fees for young people
  • Project management, including appointing a youth partner
  • Mentoring, training and youth participation in programming and production
  • Event production costs
  • Salaries, wages and fees for staff and industry professionals
  • Travel and accommodation
  • Marketing aimed at young audiences
  • Audience data and evaluation systems
  • Administration, compliance documentation and post-event reporting

What companies are eligible for funding?

NSW-based music industry professionals and music businesses with an active ABN.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging a professional government grant writer consultant. Avant Group is Australia’s largest independent grants advisory firm. Find out more about our government grant writing and consulting service here. 

How can I get help understanding if I’m eligible for this grant? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.