Venue Upgrade Grants 25/26 - Infrastructure and Equipment

This grant is funded and administered by Sound NSW. 

The 2025-26 Venue Upgrade Grants – Infrastructure & Equipment (‘the Program’) a Venues Unlocked initiative, is an open, competitive round. 

This series of funding programs is designed to support NSW contemporary live music venues with varied experience in live music programming. It aims to increase the number of fit-for-purpose live music venues across the state, uplift sector knowledge and expertise, improve audience experience and generate greater live music diversity and vibrancy in communities.  

Available grants up the value of $150,000 (ex GST) will support the purchase of equipment and a range of infrastructure development works. 

Infrastructure works: 

• soundproofing 
• ventilation  
• accessibility  
• energy efficiency improvements. 

Equipment:  

• purchase of production equipment (sound, lighting and staging)   

Applicants must co-contribute at least 30% of the of the overall project budget (this can include cash and in-kind contributions). In kind contributions can include any donated goods, services or volunteer work to support a project.  

Infrastructure and Equipment - Key information   

• Grant Type: Open, competitive  
• Grant amount: Up to $150,000 (ex GST) per Infrastructure and Equipment grant application.
• Applications open: Now open 
• Applications close: Monday, 9th February 2026, 11am   

Information sessions 

Sound NSW team members will host online information sessions covering an overview of the Venue Upgrade Grants - Infrastructure and Equipment, how to apply, resources to support applications and a Q&A. 

While not mandatory, Sound NSW strongly recommends attending an information session before applying for this program. 

Information sessions will be held on: Wednesday 10th December 2025 at 2:00pm 

Register to attend here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/sound-nsw/venue-upgrade-grants

This session will be recorded and available online for those unable to attend. 

Instructions for applicants  

Before applying, please carefully read the Program Guidelines and  FAQs 

Incomplete applications and/or applications received after the closing date may not be considered. 

Sound NSW support 

Sound NSW team members are here to help you and can be contacted between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) via: 

• Telephone: Venue Support Coordinator, Rosie Saul, +61 2 9228 3603
• Email: info@sound.nsw.gov.au