The NSW Government’s contemporary music grants, administered by Sound NSW, fund local music events and festivals that build new audiences, support NSW artists, and increase community participation—especially in Western Sydney and regional NSW. Grants of up to $100,000 support new programming, artist fees, marketing, travel, and other delivery costs. Eligible events must take place in NSW, prioritise local artists, and contribute to a diverse and inclusive contemporary music sector.

Overview

The NSW Government, through Sound NSW under the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport, offers funding to strengthen the state’s contemporary music ecosystem. The funding supports events and festivals that engage local audiences, promote NSW music, and create opportunities for musicians, communities, and young people.

The program directly contributes to a sustainable, diverse, and community-connected contemporary music sector.

Program Purpose

This grant aims to strengthen NSW’s contemporary music culture by supporting activities that:

• Build new and diverse audiences

• Promote NSW artists and contemporary music content

• Increase local artist participation in their communities

• Enhance all-ages music programming

• Strengthen community engagement in Western Sydney and regional NSW

• Amplify the work of priority communities, including First Nations talent

Funding Available

• Maximum funding: Up to $100,000 per project

• Use of funds:

  • Artist fees and performance costs

  • Marketing and promotional activities

  • Travel and accommodation

  • Administrative and operational expenses

• Eligible recipients: Music businesses and industry professionals delivering contemporary music events or festivals

Funding is designed to support new or additional programming, not standard business operations.

What the Program Supports

The grant backs contemporary music events and festivals that introduce new programming, strengthen local music networks, and provide meaningful community connection opportunities.
Supported activities include:

• New artist showcases

• Collaborative music programming with local venues

• Community-focused music events

• Events featuring local and NSW Government priority groups

• All-ages programming and youth-focused initiatives

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants and events must meet the following criteria:

Event Requirements

Events or festivals must:

• Be presented within NSW

• Be majority Australian-owned

• Program new and original contemporary music

• Have capacity up to 15,000, or be:

  • Focused on First Nations cultural priorities

  • Located in regional NSW or Western Sydney

• Collaborate with local venues or community organisations

• Support audience growth and increased community connection

• Primarily feature local NSW-based artists and acts

• Include artists from NSW Government priority groups

• Take place in indoor venues or outdoor spaces

• Be either ticketed or free to the public

• Be a new or existing event or festival

Who Can Apply

• Music businesses

• Industry professionals

• Event organisers working in contemporary music

Applicants must demonstrate capacity to deliver high-quality programming that supports NSW music sector development.

Why It Matters

This grant program:

• Strengthens the contemporary music pipeline in NSW

• Expands access to live music for young people and regional communities

• Promotes cultural diversity and inclusion

• Supports First Nations-led cultural priorities

• Builds a more resilient and collaborative music industry

• Accelerates audience growth and local artist visibility

How to Apply

1. Confirm Eligibility
   Ensure your event meets NSW location, ownership, programming, and capacity requirements.

2. Develop a Strong Project Proposal
   Include clear objectives, new programming components, and community engagement plans.

3. Prepare a Budget
   Demonstrate how funding will support new or expanded activity.

4. Highlight Local Collaboration
   Provide evidence of partnerships with venues, artists, or community organisations.

5. Submit Application
   Complete the online form through the NSW Government’s funding portal before the deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing activities that do not include new or additional programming

• Failing to prioritise NSW-based artists

• Not demonstrating community collaboration

• Submitting events outside NSW

• Overlooking the requirement to include NSW Government priority groups

• Exceeding the maximum capacity limit without meeting exceptions

FAQ

1. What types of events qualify as contemporary music events?

Events featuring original music in genres such as rock, hip-hop, pop, electronic, indie, soul, R&B, and other contemporary styles.

2. Can an established festival apply for new programming only?

Yes. Established events may apply if the proposal introduces new or expanded programming.

3. Are all-ages events required?

Not required, but strongly encouraged, particularly for youth engagement.

4. Can events take place outdoors?

Yes. Both indoor venues and outdoor spaces are eligible.

5. Do artists have to be from NSW?

Primarily yes. Events must predominantly program local NSW artists.

6. What are NSW Government priority groups?

These may include First Nations artists, young people, and other identified community groups central to NSW cultural development.

7. Does the event need to be ticketed?

No. Both ticketed and free public events are eligible.

Conclusion

The NSW Contemporary Music Events and Festivals Grant is a vital opportunity for organisers to elevate local music, build diverse audiences, and strengthen community participation—especially in regional NSW and Western Sydney. By funding innovative, local, and community-connected music programming, the initiative supports a thriving, inclusive, and future-ready NSW music sector.