NSW Government Awards $9.3 Million in Music Grants to Support Newcastle / Regional Artists

newy.com.au – Musicians from Newcastle and the Hunter are among dozens of regional artists to receive funding in what the NSW Government is calling its largest ever support package for the contemporary music industry, totalling $9.3 million.

Announced on 25 July 2025, the latest round of Sound NSW grants will help artists with touring, recording, promotion and industry development. The funding also includes new programs for First Nations musicians and organisations that strengthen industry skills and collaboration.

Recipients from the region include Newcastle acts Vacations, God Corn Liquor, The Quokkas and Tim Levinson, as well as Lake Macquarie artists Boo Seeka, Lark, Surf Trash, Kirsty Lee Akers and Piper Butcher. Musicians from Maitland, Port Stephens, Cessnock, Singleton and the Central Coast are also among those supported.

Maitland-based Awesome Black Studio has received a First Nations Industry Development Grant, while artists like Rum Jungle and Kinder were awarded funding through the Touring and Travel Fund.

According to the NSW Government, 29 percent of the Contemporary Music Development Grants and 30 percent of Touring and Travel funding has been allocated to regional recipients. The grants are part of the government’s 10-year Contemporary Music Strategy, aimed at rebuilding the sector after years of setbacks including the lockout laws, pandemic disruptions and growing competition from global streaming platforms.

Measures already delivered under the strategy include the $80,000 NSW Music Prize, funding support for music festivals, grants for recording and promotion, incentives for international acts to book local support acts, and venue upgrade programs. Legislative changes have also addressed noise complaint processes and extended trading hours for venues featuring live music.

Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp, said the support would help elevate local talent. “Newcastle has produced many of Australia’s greatest musicians throughout history and the Minns Labor Government wants to continue fostering that talent,” he said.

“Sound NSW grants open doors for musicians, allowing them to reach new heights and spread our local sound not only around the country, but around the world.”

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