From 30 September, applications will be open for round two of the NSW Live Performance Venue Accelerator program, an initiative jointly organised by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner and Sound NSW to support the state’s creative industries and hospitality sector.
A key part of the NSW Government’s Vibrancy agenda, the Live Performance Venue Accelerator program aims to support live music and performance in NSW hospitality venues, increasing venue operators’ capacity and confidence to put on live performances.
24-Hour Economy Commissioner, Michael Rodrigues, said that the program benefits performers, hospitality professionals, and consumers.
“We know that live performance has great benefits for venues, their customers, performers and the wider community, and this program gives participants guidance on how to embrace live performance as part of their offering. We are pleased to be able to open this program up to venues across the state for the first time,” he said.
The seven-week Accelerator program will provide participating venues with networking opportunities and access to industry experts, to better understand sound requirements for their specific venue, how to curate programming, and avenues to engage with artists and potential audiences for live performances.
Deric Ly, co-owner of west Sydney bar and restaurant, Saigon Hustle, has previously completed the Accelerator program, which provided his team to enhance its live music offering.
“The Live Performance Venue Accelerator Program provided us with access to experts, networking opportunities and the tools we needed to support live performance at our venue. We went from running live performance once a month to hosting it four days a week.
“We run a mix of live acoustic performers, DJs and live karaoke. Without the opportunity to participate in this program we would not have been able to reach our goals and support local musicians,” he said.
Applications open in less than a week, and close on 4 November. Visit the Live Performance Venue Accelerator page for more information.
