Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund

This program is designed to grow and support the live music ecosystem in NSW through investment in the operations of established music festivals, alleviating short-term financial challenges and improve business and job retention during the cost-of-living crisis.   

Funding will be available for government-related and operational costs for contemporary music festivals with event capacity of at least 15,000 people and are currently experiencing financial challenges.  

Applications will be accepted on an as needs basis while the funding program is open. The program will close when the budget is exhausted, or 30 April 2025, whichever comes first.

Successful applicants will receive two milestone payments:

• Payment One – 50% of approved funds within 30 days of the execution of the funding agreement and meeting any preconditions to payment
• Payment Two – upon completion of the milestones set out in the funding agreement and successful delivery of the festival, the lesser of:
  • the amount required to reach break-even, or
  • the remaining 50% of the grant amount.
• If festival ticket sales are higher than break even, the remaining funding will not be paid.  

Please see the Eligibility section for a full breakdown of the types of festivals that can apply and the costs that are covered.   

This funding aims to:

• improve short-term viability for festival operators in NSW
• support contemporary music festivals and operators vital to the NSW music landscape
• reduce burden and risk for organisers
• build confidence for audiences and the broader music industry.