Sound NSW Advice and Planning Grants 2026/27: A$20,000 for Local Live Music Venues
Professional advice for better NSW music venues
Sound NSW's Advice and Planning 2026/27 round is open to qualifying contemporary live music venues across New South Wales. Applications for the November round close on 23 November 2026 at 2:00pm AEDT. Grants of up to A$20,000 may help owners and operators commission specialist reports and planning services; activity for this round should start after 11 January 2027.
Eligibility and the financial contribution
Operate a qualifying live music venue in NSW through an eligible incorporated entity, trust, association or co-operative.
Hold the applicable ABN/registration and demonstrate majority Australian ownership.
Maintain an appropriate OneMusic licence and a track record of regular original contemporary live music.
If leasing, have at least two years left on the occupancy term and secure building owner support.
Provide at least 30% cash co-contribution and a budget with 10% contingency.
Advice eligible for the grant
Eligible activities may include reports on soundproofing, ventilation and accessibility, planning and development applications, licensing/legal services and energy efficiency audits. The grant is not for building works, equipment purchases or general venue operating expenses. A credible application should establish why each professional service would improve the venue's live music capability.
Preparing the grant application
Collect relevant programming records and artist support letters, identify the specific problems to be solved, obtain a quotation for each budget item, and provide an itemised budget including the cash contribution. The two main assessment criteria are the venue's contribution to NSW's contemporary live music ecosystem and the benefit of the specialist advice to the venue, each weighted 50%. Apply through the linked SmartyGrants portal before the stated deadline.
Official guidance
Sound NSW Advice and Planning programme: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/advice-and-planning-2026/27. The current official terms, not this overview, determine eligibility and supported costs.