​Venue Upgrade Grants: Advanced Screen & Lighting

Purpose and Program Overview

The Venue Upgrade Grants 25/26 – Advanced Screen and Lighting Technology program supports dedicated live music venues in New South Wales. It funds installations of high-end audiovisual systems and dynamic lighting to enhance audience experiences.​ The program forms part of the Venues Unlocked initiative. It aims to increase fit-for-purpose venues, uplift sector knowledge, improve audience experiences, and boost live music diversity across communities. Total funding pool details are not specified.​

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: $200,000 (ex GST) to $500,000 (ex GST); up to $200,000 for venues under 1000 capacity and up to $500,000 for venues over 1000 capacity​
• Application open: 21 November 2025; close: 2 February 2026, 11:00 am​
• Eligible industries: Dedicated live music venues where live music is the principal activity​
• Required co-contributions: At least 30% of overall project budget (cash and/or in-kind)​
• Location: New South Wales​

Priority Sectors

The grant targets the live music sector, specifically dedicated contemporary live music venues.​

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum: Up to $200,000 (ex GST) for venues under 1,000 capacity; up to $500,000 (ex GST) for venues over 1,000 capacity​
• Categories: Single stream for advanced screen and lighting technology projects​
• Project timeline: Start after 30 April 2026; end before 1 June 2027

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure: Incorporated entity or trust with ABN; Australian Company Number (ACN); or registered with NSW Fair Trading under Associations Incorporation Act 2009 or Co-operatives National Law (NSW)
• Registered business location: New South Wales
• Minimum programming: Contemporary live music 1-2 nights per week or more
• Lease/support: If not owned, current lease/occupancy with at least 2 years remaining and a letter of support from the premises owner
• Compliance: Holds OneMusic licence for live performances; Australian ownership; met prior Sound NSW funding requirements
• Other: Capacity to co-contribute 30%

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• LED video walls, projection, or mixed-reality screen systems​
• Upgrades to intelligent lighting and control systems, AI-enhanced lighting​
• Venue design and visual mapping works aligning lighting/screen with performance zones, including on-stage rigging​
• High-end audiovisual systems for immersive visuals and live feed integration​

Assessment Process

The grant is competitive via an open Expression of Interest process. Key criteria include demonstrated impact on the contemporary live music ecosystem and viability of upgrades (e.g., project plan, budget, quotes).​

Recent Program Updates

Applications closed on 2 February 2026. 2027 is expected.​

Application Tips

Applicants should verify eligibility, especially co-contribution and licensing. Prepare a budget template, two quotes per expense, a project plan, and supporting evidence like the OneMusic licence in advance. Align proposals with live music ecosystem benefits and value for money.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist like Pattens Group for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant and competitive application. Contact us today, and a senior grants specialist with a strong track record in government funding programs can help refine your project scope, budget and supporting evidence. For official guidelines, application forms, templates and up-to-date information, applicants should refer to the program’s official webpage, the Sound NSW portal and other relevant NSW Government websites.