Contemporary Music Festivals - 2026/27

Opens 28^th September 2026

Grant amount: Up to $100,000 (festivals up to 12,000 capacity), up to $250,000(festivals over 12,000 capacity)

Applications open: 28 September 2026

Applications close: 9 November 2026, 2:00pm

This program supports local contemporary music festivals across NSW that build new audiences, promote NSW music, and strengthen community connection through music. It's funded by the NSW Government and administered by Sound NSW.

Funding is open to music businesses and industry professionals based in NSW with an active ABN. Festivals must be held in NSW, program new and original contemporary music, predominantly feature local artists and acts, and include artists from NSW Government priority groups. Applicants also need to collaborate with local venues or community organisations and build genuine opportunities for community connection.

To count as a festival under this program, the event must be advertised and marketed as a music festival under a single banner, run for at least five hours total, and can be a single day or run across consecutive days. It can be ticketed or free, and held indoors or outdoors. Half of the total program budget is set aside for festivals in Western Sydney and regional NSW, with extra priority given to events supporting NSW Government priority groups.

Funding can cover artist fees, staff and industry professional wages, production costs, marketing, travel and accommodation, and admin costs. It cannot cover equipment purchases,infrastructure or capital works, ongoing regular programming, or costs incurred before the project start date.

Applicants can only submit one application tothis program per financial year, and can receive a maximum of two competitive Sound NSW grants per financial year. Funded activity must run between 1 February 2027 and 28 February 2028.

For questions, contact James Sherley, FundingCoordinator, at info@sound.nsw.gov.au or (02) 8276 8698.

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