NSW Government Triples Funding For Live Music Venues

Venues across NSW are receiving millions of dollars in funding from the Minns government, as it continues to work to revive the state’s live music scene.

39 venues are set to receive a little over $5 million through the Venue Upgrade Grants, helping with sound proofing, equipment, and professional advice needed to host live music without impacting on their neighbours.

It’s triple the amount given to venues in the last round of grants, allowing them to expand their offerings and give locals more entertainment options that don’t incur travel costs.

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said the venues are a crucial part of the NSW live music sector.

“Too many venues are under pressure from ageing infrastructure, noise restrictions and rising costs,” he said. “We’re supporting them through those challenges so they can keep bringing communities together, backing local music and driving the night-time economy.

“From regional pubs to city bars and community music venues, this funding will improve the safety, sound quality and experience for artists and audiences alike.”

9 of the venues are using the funds to access to best-practice advice from consultants and experts, such as guidance on development applications,  planning expenses and legal services, while the majority will be looking towards supporting ound proofing, energy efficiency upgrades, and the purchase of audio-visual equipment. 

“These upgrades are not just cosmetic; they are the difference between a venue closing or staying open,” said Head of Sound NSW, Emily Collins. 

“From upgrades to lighting and sound systems, accessibility and energy, to improvements in soundproofing, ventilation and air-conditioning, this program is addressing the real-world challenges faced by venue operators – such as outdated sound systems, accessibility issues and urgent building upgrades.”

The Red Rattler in Marrickville, an inner west institution, was one of the venues to receive funding for soundproofing in last year’s grants, providing a significant boost to the community-focused and funded venue.

Senior Program Manager, Kween G, said the soundproofing had reduced noise levels so dramatically that performers and those hiring the venue had noticed.

“Our neighbours have stopped complaining about noise and we’ve been receiving positive responses from artists,” she said. “We built a backstage area using soundproof walls so that noise no longer bleeds into that room.

“Performers are able to prepare for their show beforehand in a quiet space and get on stage and do their thing.”

Part of wider changes to the state’s music scene

The funding is part of the government’s effort to support and expand the state’s live music sector, while also reviving the night-time economy, which is struggling to recover from the impact of lockout laws and overregulation policies amidst a cost of living crisis.

The changes have included the extension of trading hours and reduced licensing fees for nearly 500 venues, greater protections for venues from noise complaints, and the introduction of Michael’s Rule, incentivising international acts performing in the state to feature an Australian support act.

It’s not just smaller venues that are seeing the benefits- in April, five major music festivals received up to $500,000 through the Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund, a $2.25 million emergency pool launched in September 2024 to stabilise the festival sector.

Adelle Robinson, Managing Director of Fuzzy Operations — the team behind Listen Out and Field Day — said at the time that she was “seriously considering not moving forward” with the 2025 shows before the grants were confirmed.

“The market was so precarious at the end of last year,” Robinson said. “A reset with our programming and the Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund were the two reasons the show went ahead.”