Restaurants, bars, and other hospitality venues across New South Wales now have access to significant funding to enhance their live entertainment offerings, with the state government’s Live Performance Venue Grant program open to statewide applications.
The $2.5 million program, administered by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, offers grants ranging from $15,000 to $80,000 to small and medium-sized hospitality venues seeking to diversify or expand their live performance capabilities.
Eligible venues include restaurants, cafes, bars, wineries, distilleries, breweries, hotels, pubs, and registered clubs. The funding can be used for staging and sound equipment, performer fees, and marketing and promotion costs.
“Art and performance play a key role in the fabric of our 24-hour economy,” said 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues. “Nothing beats being at the gig live and connecting with mates.”
This marks the first time the program has been available across the entire state, following a successful initial round that supported more than 50 venues in Greater Sydney, Newcastle, and Wollongong.
The program aims to increase both the number of venues staging live performances and the diversity of entertainment on offer, from live music and theatre to comedy, dance, First Nations storytelling, and spoken word performances.
Bar Yuki owner Ash Bailey, a recipient from the first funding round, credits the grant with transforming his Milton venue: “Thanks to this grant, we were able to bring in a PA system, backlighting and even some drapes,” Bailey said. “We have created a place in this beautiful community which gives people a place to go and enjoy music and dance.”
Beyond enhancing the customer experience, the program is designed to create employment opportunities for artists, performers, and hospitality workers across NSW.
Applications are now open and close on September 23, 2025. Venues can apply at nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/live-performance-venue-grant-program-round-2.
