Expressions of Interest: Music

Applications are open to any individual, collective or organisation interested in presenting or collaborating on an event in the Vivid Music program. You will need to hold an ABN (Australian Business Number) or international equivalent to enter into an agreement with Destination NSW. Destination NSW is the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency and, owns, manages and produces Vivid Sydney.

If you are applying as a group of individuals, one member must be nominated to sign and manage the agreement for the event using their ABN.

Applicants must meet the following prerequisites prior to submitting an Expression of Interest for Vivid Music 2026:

• The applicant must be a registered business or sole trader (hold an ABN, ACN (Australian Company Number) or international equivalent).
• The proposed event must not be a sales pitch or promotional tool for your business, products, or services.
• Events must be related to the music industry; either serving the music sector or live performance and must be able to take place in Sydney during the festival period - Friday 22 May 2026 to Saturday 13 June 2026.
• The applicant must be prepared and able to enter into a contract with Destination NSW (Destination NSW owns, manages and produces the festival) for the duration of the event, which includes holding all relevant licenses, insurances and approvals.
• The applicant must hold or be willing to take out public liability insurance to the value of $20 million for the duration of their event.
• Applicants must ensure that all public liability purchased internationally is valid worldwide, preferably with the interests of Destination NSW noted.

Vivid Music is focused specifically on live music or nightclub experiences at the cutting edge of creativity, culture and technology. Applications are open to all genres, from emerging to established artists, provided the event or artists showcases innovation within their chosen genre.

Events must be related to the music industry; either serving the music sector or live performance and must be able to take place in Sydney during the festival period - Friday 22 May 2026 to Saturday 13 June 2026.

Events must announce as part of the Vivid Sydney Program Launch in March 2026 (exact date TBC), with marketing images and materials provided to Vivid Sydney in January 2026 for approval (date TBC).

At the discretion of Vivid Sydney, some events may be awarded investment or co-developed in partnership with Destination NSW. Budget is not specifically allocated for this investment; however, you may list your budget requirements in your application form for us to discuss with you.&

Outside of direct investment, we may be able to assist your event with venue procurement or marketing support.

Applicants can benefit from the following:

• Inclusion in Australia’s largest and most successful public event.
• >Cross promotion within a program of high-quality music industry events and live performances.
• Marketing support for your event through integration with the wider Vivid Sydney program and marketing campaign. This includes a listing of the event on the Vivid Sydney website, and potential event inclusion in the Vivid Sydney digital marketing program.

The Vivid Music program and this Expression of Interest does not cover performances at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid LIVE or the Carriageworks music program. These organisations do not accept applications via public call out and we are unable to assess or pass any applications on for consideration.

To apply you will need to provide the following:

• Personal information, contact and contracting details.
• A brief written description of the proposed event including but not limited to:
  • Details of the proposed talent or line-up, including examples of previous work.
  • The proposed event details including performance dates, times, name and ticket prices.
  • Details of the proposed venue, including venue availability and any existing audiences.
• How the event is demonstrating innovation in live music.
• Event marketing and communications information and an explanation of how you plan to market your event. Please include examples of previous marketing material and details on social media and digital marketing communities.
• A detailed budget breakdown, including how any requested investment will assist in further developing program content, quality and scope.
• Information on the accessibility and sustainability of your event.

There is no application fee to enter an Expression of Interest for Vivid Sydney.

Destination NSW will engage a third-party ticketing agent with integration into the Vivid Sydney website. Vivid Music events will be offered the opportunity to sell through this platform should it proceed.

Sponsors may be engaged for your event but must be approved by Destination NSW. Sponsors will only have rights and benefits to your event and will not be able to align themselves with the wider Vivid Music or Vivid Sydney programs.

There may be restrictions on sponsors in product categories including (but not limited to) alcohol, cause-related marketing, banking and credit cards, automotive, technology (consumer and business), cleaning and hygiene, immigration, gambling and gaming, adult products or services and political groups or activities.

Yes, you are welcome to submit more than one music event that fits the selection criteria. You will need to apply separately for each submission.

We suggest you limit your submissions to your strongest concepts.

Get in touch with our Partnerships team to discuss your proposal.

Applications will be assessed and shortlisted for inclusion in the Vivid Music program by the Vivid Sydney Curatorial Panel, see all Key dates.

Please keep a copy of all submitted material, as this cannot be returned by Vivid Sydney.

The decisions of the Vivid Sydney curatorial panel are final and no feedback can be given on individual applications.

You will be required to enter into a contract with Destination NSW outlining the requirements and responsibilities of both parties during the term. Contracts will be sent out in November 2025 and will be required to be finalised by mid-December 2025.

We require marketing materials and images for your event by end of January 2026 in order to be proofed and approved for the festival launch in mid-March 2026 (TBC). These materials will be collected via an online form along with additional event information. Submitted event copy will be edited or re-written by our internal copywriter for consistency across the website.

You agree that you will not announce your event prior to the Vivid Sydney media launch in mid-March 2026 (date TBC).

Please see key dates and timelines here

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We also recommend monitoring www.vividsydney.com  and Vivid Sydney social media channels.

This Expression of Interest process is not applicable for industry or corporate hospitality events, brand activations or product launches. Please contact the Vivid Sydney team if you would like to discuss opportunities to align your brand with the festival.