newy.com.au – Newcastle’s King St Hotel will receive $500,000 from the NSW government to install a large LED video display, modern lighting and cameras in its live music space.
The venue is one of 33 across NSW sharing $3.8 million in the latest round of the Venue Upgrade Grant program, which supports improvements including audiovisual equipment, soundproofing, staging and energy-efficiency measures.
King St’s grant will go towards an LED display, a lighting system with updated control technology and film and video cameras. The government says the equipment will improve the experience for performers and audiences and allow the venue to stage more sophisticated live productions.
Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said the venue supported both local performers and touring acts.
“Venues like King St Hotel provide a stage for local musicians while bringing touring artists and audiences into the city,” he said.
The program’s third funding round includes a new category for screens and lighting, reflecting increasing competition for audiences from streaming services, social media and other entertainment available at home.
Arts, Music and the Night-time Economy Minister John Graham said venues were struggling with rising operating costs and weaker revenue after years of disruption from pandemic restrictions, inflation and earlier licensing controls.
“These venues are treasured by their local communities, by artists and music fans,” Mr Graham said. “This is about backing them with vital investments they often need but can’t afford in the current climate.”
Other recipients include Cronulla’s Brass Monkey, which will receive $121,096 for stage, speaker, ventilation and soundproofing work, and the Hoey Moey at Coffs Harbour, awarded $150,000 for sound and lighting upgrades.
The Lansdowne in Chippendale will receive $150,000 for solar panels and battery storage, while The Press Basement Bar in Tamworth has been awarded $68,022 for equipment and live music programming.
The grants form part of the government’s broader changes to night-time economy regulation. It says 596 registered live music venues now receive reduced liquor licensing fees and extended trading hours in return for programming live performances.
