This Just In: NSW Government to Split Almost $3 Million in Grant Funding Between NSW Venues to Support Smaller Gig Spaces
The multi-million funds injection is being split among 30+ venues in suburbs from Albury all the way to Byron Bay.
The Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner has announced that 39 venues across NSW will be the shared recipients of a $2.89 million grant — the second round of the NSW Government Live Performance Venue Grant Program. The venues in question are each designated as small or medium-sized venues and are spread across 35 suburbs across the state.
This was the first time that this grant allowed venues from across the state to apply, with amounts per venue ranging between $15,000 and $80,000. The qualifier? The venues are intending to use the grant to stage live performances or increase their current offering as performance spaces. The funding can be allocated to costs such as staging and sound equipment, performer fees, and marketing and promotion for events.
This program is meant to make live performances of all kinds, including live music, theatre, musical theatre, cabaret, dance, spoken word, First Nations storytelling and comedy, for more local communities across NSW. By increasing the sheer number of available venues, the program also hopes to increase the number and diversity of performances and employment opportunities for artists, performers and hospitality workers in NSW.
24-Hour Economy Commissioner John Rodrigues said, "We know that people are seeking out nightlife experiences closer to home, and this program helps venues diversify their offering to meet this demand whilst creating opportunities for local performers to access the stage, hone their craft and build their audiences. I'm excited to see the program expand across the State."
The venues included in this round cover a lot of ground. Regional additions include Badlands Brewery and Mortimer's Wines in Orange, Byron Bay Spirits Co, Oyster Cove Cocktail Bar in Batemans Bay, The Thirsty Devil Brewery in South Albury and Trojans Bistro & Bar in Terrigal.
Meanwhile, Sydney metro spots in the grant include Brookvale's Manly Spirit Co and Freshwater Brewing Company, Cammeray Golf Club, Newtown local favourite Earl's Juke Joint, and Alexandria haunts The Mitch and Blackwattle Bar + Brewery. To read the full recipient list, visit the Live Performance Venue Grant website.
Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
- The 28 Best BYO Restaurants in Sydney for When You're on a Budget (or Want to Bring Your Favourite Drop)
- The 25 Best Pubs in Sydney
- CP Picks: Aussie Summer Essentials — The Things We're Packing, Wearing and Using All Season Long
- CP Picks: The Editor's Gift Guide —What the CP Team Is Giving (and Hoping to Receive)
- CP Picks: The Best Gifts for Arts Lovers — From Gallery Prints to Music Gigs
- CP Picks: The Best Gifts for People Who Are Never Home — According to Travel Writers