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Local Audience Development Grants to Promote NSW Music (Australia)

Deadline: 12-Feb-2026

The NSW Government, through Sound NSW, offers grants of up to $200,000 to support major technology-driven projects that grow audiences, promote NSW music, and strengthen local music ecosystems. Funding supports digital platforms, AI tools, online content, marketing collaborations and industry partnerships. Eligible applicants are NSW-based music businesses and professionals with an active ABN.

Overview

The NSW Government, administered by Sound NSW under the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport, has launched a funding program to boost technology-driven innovation in the music sector. The program aims to expand audience engagement, strengthen local music communities, and promote diverse NSW contemporary music.

Purpose of the Program

The program supports the development of significant technology solutions, digital tools and online collaboration systems that help fans discover, engage with and support NSW music. It is designed to sustain a thriving grassroots music ecosystem that fosters creativity, partnerships and industry innovation.

Program Objectives

Core Aims

  • Build and expand audiences for NSW contemporary music

  • Increase engagement with local artists through digital content and collaboration

  • Leverage technology (including AI) to drive innovation

  • Strengthen music communities in Western Sydney and regional NSW

  • Amplify the work of priority communities to diversify the music sector

What the Funding Supports

Grants of up to $200,000 are available for activities that include:

Technology & Digital Innovation

  • Development or enhancement of digital platforms

  • Online collaboration tools

  • AI-driven music discovery, marketing or creative tools

  • Software and online infrastructure

Music Engagement & Content

  • Curated digital content showcasing NSW music

  • Digital storytelling and artist discovery experiences

  • Online broadcast, streaming, or cross-platform engagement initiatives

Collaboration & Marketing

  • Joint marketing campaigns supporting local music scenes

  • Partnerships with music businesses and industry professionals

  • Cross-regional or community-based digital collaboration projects

Allowable Costs

Funding can cover:

  • Salaries, wages, fees for artists, staff and technical experts

  • Consultants, producers and industry professionals

  • Marketing and promotion

  • Production, venue hire, catering

  • Travel and accommodation

  • Administrative and project management costs

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

To apply, organisations must:

  • Be NSW-based music businesses or industry professionals

  • Hold an active ABN

  • Have a bank account that matches the ABN details

  • Work in contemporary music

  • Demonstrate partnerships with music businesses or industry professionals

Priority Communities

Projects involving or benefiting the following communities are encouraged:

  • Western Sydney communities

  • Regional NSW music networks

  • Diverse, underrepresented or marginalised artists

  • Emerging industry practitioners

Why It Matters

This program directly invests in innovation at the intersection of music, technology and digital culture. It helps:

  • Grow NSW’s global music footprint

  • Promote contemporary artists across digital platforms

  • Strengthen creative collaboration

  • Future-proof the music sector through scalable technologies

  • Ensure local artists reach new audiences worldwide

How to Apply

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Confirm your organisation or practice aligns with the program’s focus on contemporary music and digital innovation.

Step 2: Develop a Strong Project Concept

Your proposal should clearly outline:

  • The technology solution or digital activity

  • How it supports NSW music and grows audiences

  • Partnerships involved and community benefit

  • Project timeline and deliverables

  • Budget breakdown aligned with eligible costs

Step 3: Prepare Documentation

Organise the following:

  • ABN details and matching bank account

  • Letters of partnership or collaboration

  • Quotes for platform development, software or services

  • Project plan and milestone schedule

Step 4: Submit Application

Complete the online form on the official program portal, ensuring accuracy and alignment with the program objectives.

Step 5: Implementation & Reporting

Approved applicants must deliver the project within required timeframes and comply with reporting, expenditure tracking and outcome documentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Lack of partnerships with NSW music professionals

  • Budget items outside eligibility (e.g., unrelated equipment)

  • Vague technology descriptions without clear user value

  • Weak connection to NSW contemporary music promotion

  • Missing ABN or mismatched banking details

  • Insufficient evidence of community or audience impact

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can applicants use funding to create new digital platforms?

Yes. Platform development, upgrades and online tools are eligible.

2. Can the grant cover staff salaries?

Yes. Salaries, wages and fees for artists and technical staff are eligible.

3. Do applicants need industry partnerships?

Yes. Demonstrated collaboration with NSW contemporary music professionals is required.

4. Is AI development allowed?

Yes. AI-based tools for music discovery, content, collaboration or marketing are eligible.

5. Can regional organisations apply?

Yes. Regional NSW projects are encouraged and considered a priority.

6. Are marketing campaigns eligible?

Yes, provided they support NSW contemporary music and involve collaboration.

7. What is the maximum funding amount?

The program offers grants of up to $200,000.

Conclusion

The Sound NSW Technology and Digital Innovation Grants provide a crucial opportunity for NSW music businesses to develop cutting-edge digital tools, amplify local artists, and build a stronger, more connected music ecosystem. By integrating technology, collaboration and diverse community voices, the program helps ensure a vibrant, future-focused music sector across NSW.

For more information, visit NSW Government.