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NSW Venue Upgrade Grants – Infrastructure and Equipment 2026/27

NSW Venue Upgrade Grants – Infrastructure and Equipment 2026/27

  • Application process: Two-stage competitive process
    • Stage 1: Expression of Interest
    • Stage 2: Full application (invitation only)
  • Infrastructure category: up to $150,000
  • Technology category: up to $300,000
  • Minimum co-contribution: 30% of project costs
  • Applications close: 28 September 2026
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The Infrastructure and Equipment Grant Program supports dedicated live music venues across New South Wales to undertake venue upgrades that improve audience experience, accessibility, sustainability and technical capability. Funding supports infrastructure improvements, professional-grade equipment, and advanced audiovisual technology that strengthens the live music ecosystem and supports contemporary music performance.

Key Requirements

Applicants must operate a dedicated live music venue in NSW where live music is the primary function of the business and where contemporary original music is a core part of programming and marketing.

Applicants must:

  • Have a valid ABN or ACN
  • Hold a current OneMusic Licence
  • Have a lease or occupancy agreement with at least two years remaining (if not owner-occupied)
  • Demonstrate an established operational presence in NSW
  • Provide a minimum 30% co-contribution (cash and/or in-kind)
  • Demonstrate the venue’s importance to the domestic touring ecosystem

Venues must undertake regular live music programming:

  • Metropolitan venues: minimum 10 nights per month
  • Regional venues: average 2 nights per week

What is eligible for funding?

Equipment Purchase and Infrastructure Works (up to $150,000)

Eligible activities include:

  • Sound equipment
  • Lighting infrastructure
  • Staging equipment
  • Soundproofing
  • Ventilation improvements
  • Accessibility upgrades
  • Energy efficiency improvements

High-End Audiovisual Systems and Advanced Lighting Technology (up to $300,000)

Eligible activities include:

  • LED video walls
  • Projection systems
  • Mixed reality screens
  • Intelligent lighting systems
  • AI-enabled lighting technology
  • Venue visual mapping
  • On-stage rigging improvements
  • Immersive audiovisual systems
  • Live-feed integration technologies

What companies are eligible for funding?

Eligible applicants include:

  • Incorporated associations
  • Companies registered with ASIC
  • Registered charities and not-for-profit organisations
  • Trusts
  • Sole traders operating running live music businesses with an ABN

Applicants must operate eligible dedicated live music venues in NSW.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Targeted 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.