NSW live performance venue grants extended

Bars across New South Wales are now eligible for grants of up to $80,000 to diversify or expand their live performance offerings, under the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner’s $2.5m Live Performance Venue Grant program.

The initiative is aimed at small to medium-sized venues seeking to either stage live performances or significantly increase their existing offering. The grant offers funding for staging and sound equipment, performer fees, and marketing and promotion.

For the first time, the program is available across the entire state with eligible venues, including bars, cafés, restaurants, wineries, distilleries and breweries, able to apply for grants of between $15,000 and $80,000.

The 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said: “Art and performance play a key role in the fabric of our 24-hour economy. There’s a time and place to relax on the couch in surround sound or to put on your headphones on the way to work. But nothing beats being at the gig live and connecting with mates.

“We are pleased to open up our Live Performance Venue Program to support small to medium hospitality venues from across the state that are looking to enhance their night-time offerings with live acts.

The program’s objectives include increasing the number of venues staging live acts, broadening the diversity of performances, and creating employment opportunities for artists, performers and hospitality workers.

More than 50 venues across Greater Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong shared in funding under the first round of the program. This year’s expansion is designed to extend opportunities to regional towns and local communities, with supported performances ranging from live music, theatre and cabaret to comedy, spoken word, First Nations storytelling and dance.

Rodrigues added: “Live performance takes many forms and here in NSW we are home to an array of talented performers offering live music, theatre, comedy, dance and more. So, from the city and the suburbs to regional towns across the state, we encourage eligible venues looking to expand their offerings to apply for the Live Performance Venue Program grants.”

One of the first-round recipients, Bar Yuki in Milton, used its grant to improve infrastructure and expand its community offering.

“Thanks to this grant we were able to bring in a PA system, backlighting and even some drapes to provide some additional sound protection which has kept everyone happy and makes the whole venue look great,” said owner Ash Bailey.

“Growing up here in Milton, there wasn’t always a lot to do but we have created a place in this beautiful community – that we are so lucky to live in – which gives people a place to go and enjoy music and a dance. We are really grateful for this support and being able to combine our love of hospitality and live music. We couldn’t have done this without the support of the NSW Government.”

More information is available through the NSW Government website. Applications are now open and will close on 23 September 2025.