All-Ages Live Music Programming - 2026/27

Grant amount: Up to $100,000 (ex GST) to deliver aseries of all-ages events (minimum 4)

Applications open: 28 September 2026

Applications close: 9 November 2026, 2:00pm

This program supports industry professionals and music businesses with a track record of delivering all-ages contemporary music events, who are committed to working alongside young people to program a series of at least four events that build new audiences.

The funding aims to grow live music audiences across NSW, increase the number and diversity of all-ages events, create performance opportunities for emerging and established NSW artists, and build genuine participation pathways for young people in programming and production. It's funded by the NSW Government and administered by Sound NSW.

Applicants must be based in NSW with an active ABN. Events must be held in NSW, feature new and original contemporary music with a focus on local artists, and include artists from NSW Government priority groups. A relevant youth partner, such as an organisation, collective or promoter, must be involved in designing and delivering the series, with the events providing significant outcomes for young people aged 12 to 24.Applicants also need formal arrangements in place for paying performing artists.

At least four all-ages events must be delivered under the grant. Events can be new or existing, ticketed or free, and held in venues or outdoor locations. Venues may still apply their own age restrictions where compliance requires it. Half the program budget is reserved for Western Sydney and regional NSW, with extra priority for events supportingNSW Government priority groups.

Funding can cover artist fees, consultation fees for young people, project management and youth partner costs, mentorship and training, production costs, staff wages, travel and accommodation, targeted marketing to young audiences, and admin and reporting costs. It doesn't cover festivals or one-off events (the separate Contemporary Music Festivals grant covers those), equipment purchases, infrastructure, or events that don't meaningfully engage 12 to 24 year olds.

Applicants can only submit one application tothis program per financial year, with a cap of two competitive Sound NSW grants per year. Funded activity must run between 1 February 2027 and 28 February2028.

For questions, contact Alex Morgan, FundingCoordinator, at info@sound.nsw.gov.au or (02) 4226 8555.

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