NSW Live Music Venues Share in $3.8M Funding Boost

Live music venues across New South Wales will share $3.8 million in state government funding as operators grapple with rising costs and continued pressure on the sector. 

Thirty-three metropolitan and regional venues have received funding through the latest round of the NSW Government’s Venue Upgrade Grants, with money going towards projects including soundproofing, staging, audio-visual equipment, and energy efficiency upgrades.

Among the biggest recipients is Newcastle’s King St Hotel, which will receive $500,000 for a new LED video display, lighting system, and film and video cameras. The Lansdowne in Sydney’s Chippendale and Coffs Harbour’s Hoey Moey will each receive $150,000, with the former investing in solar panels and battery installation and the latter upgrading its sound, monitor, and lighting systems.

Cronulla’s Brass Monkey has secured $121,096 for upgrades to its stage, speakers, backline instruments, ventilation, and soundproofing, while The Press Basement Bar in Tamworth will receive $68,022 for live music programming and equipment upgrades.

The latest round also introduces support for screens and lighting, with the government arguing venues increasingly need stronger audiovisual offerings as live entertainment competes for audiences against streaming, social media and other forms of entertainment.

NSW Minister for Arts, Music, and the Night-time Economy John Graham pointed to the recent closure of several Sydney venues as evidence of the financial pressure facing the sector. “In the last few months we’ve lost more than five venues in Sydney including Mary’s Underground and Moshpit Bar. These are venues that constantly staged and championed live music, which shows how much pressure our venues are under," he said. 

“These venues are treasured by their local communities, by artists and music fans. This is about backing them with vital investments they often need but can’t afford in the current climate.

“I’m particularly excited about supporting venues with screens and visuals because they help take the live experience to another level, which is so important as gigs compete with other forms of entertainment including screen time at home," he continued. 

“If we let our music venues fail then our night-time economies and our cultural life will suffer, and we can’t afford to let that happen.”

The funding forms part of the state government’s broader push to support NSW’s live music and night-time economy. According to the government, 596 registered live music venues are now receiving reduced licensing fees and extended trading hours for programming live music, while 10 Special Entertainment Precincts are currently operating across the state.

Head of Sound NSW Emily Collins said the grants were intended to improve both venue infrastructure and the experience for artists and audiences. “The Venue Upgrade Grants will increase the number of fit-for-purpose live music venues across the state, uplift sector knowledge and expertise and improve audience experience in venues across NSW," she explained. 

“For performers and artists, it will expand live music offerings, improve equipment and sound quality and enhance performance capabilities – giving artists more creative freedom.”

Brass Monkey owner Jed Nakhle said the financial pressures of recent years had left little room for venues to invest back into their operations. “After several incredibly challenging years for the live music industry, most of our revenue has simply been about keeping the doors open and surviving, rather than being able to invest in the venue," he said. 

“This grant has given us the opportunity to finally make some much-needed improvements to the Brass Monkey, helping us build a stronger future for the venue, our artists and our community.”

The Press Basement Bar director Luke Fielding added: “The Press Basement Bar in Tamworth NSW is honoured to be a recipient of the Venue Upgrade Grant. This funding is more than just financial support; it represents a commitment to enhancing our community’s cultural landscape.

“This upgrade will significantly elevate the sound quality for diverse genres, attracting both local and touring artists. Ultimately, it will boost the demand for live music and enrich the musical scene in Tamworth, creating a vibrant hub for artistic expression and community engagement.”