City Of Sydney To Offer $450,000 In Grant Money For Live Music Venues & Other Businesses

The City Of Sydney has today announced a new funding program to support diversity in the nighttime economy, with $450,000 in grants being offered to local businesses, live music and performance venues.

Although the program is open to a range of operators, Lord Mayor Clover Moore acknowledged there has been a particular focus on making allowances for live music venues among the funding, to help such businesses "make the improvements they need to put on more performances".

"We know the lockout laws have had a significant impact on Sydney's nighttime economy, so we are finding practical ways to suppport local businesses and live music venues," Moore said.

"We look forward to hearing from businesses across our community with their ideas for creating a more diverse and dynamic city after dark."

Designed to provide "targeted support to increase the diversity of businesses open in the city at night", the first round of grant applications is open now, and the City will offer up to $30,000 in matched funding to each recipient.

"This funding directly supports those who want to do new and exciting things in Sydney after dark, and we can’t wait to see the exciting projects and developments that will come as a result of this program," MusicNSW managing director Emily Collins said in a statement.

Among potential projects for live music venues in particular are improvements to soundproofing, sound equipment or other means of improving internal acoustics.

A focus on safety is also part of the grants program's purview, with suggested uses for the money including better lighting, sexual harassment awareness initiatives and more training for venue staff.

Through a wider lens, the grants may also be allocated to cultural and culinary events or retail promotions, alongside the city's live music offerings.

To be eligible, applicants will need to demonstrate the need for improvements in their venue through evidence of prior shortcomings.

The first round will remain open until 13 November; an information session for interested operators will be held at Customs House from 5.30-7pm on Wednesday 27 September.

Further details are available via the City Of Sydney.