Terms and Conditions

Vivid Sydney 2026 Local Business Program applications

1. Overview

Vivid Sydney will take place from Friday 22 May to Saturday 13 June 2026, transforming the city into a vibrant hub of creativity, innovation and technology. Over 23 nights, light installations, music, minds and food inspire global audiences and drive cultural exchange.

Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW. Destination NSW is the lead agency, champion and voice for the visitor economy within the NSW Government.

2. Applications

Local businesses are invited to apply for the Local Business Program, where you can showcase your business during Vivid Sydney. We encourage you to highlight your signature products, services and customer experiences. Show us how your business contributes to the local community and supports Sydney’s night-time economy by naturally attracting foot traffic and offering memorable experiences. We encourage you to promote NSW produce or products, supporting our state's growers and makers. There’s no need for a Vivid Sydney-specific activation, simply share what you already do best while engaging with locals and visitors during the festival.

Local businesses may include:

• Restaurants, bars or cafés
• Retailers
• Museums, galleries, entertainment or public venues
• Tourist attractions or local attractions
• Hotels and accommodation providers
• Tour providers
• Cruise operators

3. Eligible business boundary map

4. Terms and Conditions

Businesses may apply for consideration to be part of the Vivid Sydney 2025 Local Business Program in one of three tiers. They are:

4.1 Tier 1

4.1.1 Category

Any type of business.

4.1.2 To be eligible, the Applicant must:

• Operate each night during Vivid Sydney, Monday to Sunday, from 6pm to 11pm, or at a minimum from Thursday to Sunday during these hours.
• Be located within Vivid Sydney’s boundary (refer to map above).
• Be a registered business and hold an Australian Business Number (ABN), Australian Company Number (ACN), or international equivalent.
• Comply with assessment criteria as listed below.

 4.1.3 Benefits provided by Destination NSW:

• Free set of A2 Vivid Sydney window decals, professionally installed ahead of the festival to celebrate your participation.
• Selected businesses will receive a free transparent and circular LED Screen, installed in your shopfront window or retail space during Vivid Sydney, pre-programmed with Vivid Sydney video content.
• Dedicated advertisement on the Vivid Sydney Deals & Experiences webpage with a direct link to your own website.
• Eligible businesses may be featured on Vivid Sydney LinkedIn channels, showcasing unique products, services or experiences.
• Access to the Vivid Sydney Local Business Program digital toolkit with exclusive content and guidelines for use on your own channels.

4.1.4 Conditions:

• The LED Display Screen is owned by Destination NSW. If damage occurs to the screen, the applicant must reimburse Destination NSW for repair or replacement costs.
• Successful Tier 1 applicants are responsible for the safety and certified power supply to the LED Display Screen including costs.
• Destination NSW will temporarily install A2 window decals. Install and removal dates will be advised upon success of application.
• Successful Tier 1 applicants are required to enter into an agreement with Destination NSW which will be issued electronically once the successful applicant is notified.
• Successful Tier 1 applicants agree to have their business promoted online through the Vivid Sydney website and marketing channels, subject to Vivid Sydney discretion.
• Successful Tier 1 applicants will receive an official Vivid Sydney 2026 Local Business Program digital toolkit with assets, content, and guidelines for usage on owned channels. Successful Tier 1 applicants must adhere to the guidelines contained in this digital toolkit.
• Participants in the Vivid Sydney Local Business Program are not permitted to use the Vivid Sydney logo.
• Please use the graphic device provided in the official social media toolkit. Non-compliance with this requirement may result in the removal of any non-compliant material from Vivid Sydney’s social media channels and promotional platforms.
• Non-compliance will result in termination of the engagement with the Tier 1 applicant.
• Submitting an application does not automatically grant the applicant acceptance into the Vivid Sydney Local Business Program.
• Previous support from Destination NSW is no guarantee that an application will be accepted.
• Destination NSW reserves the right to accept or decline any application.
• Applications submitted after the published closing date will not be accepted.
• Destination NSW reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions from time to time, with any changes to be advised.
• Inclusion in the Vivid Sydney Local Business Program provides no official sponsorship designation.
• Inclusion in the Vivid Sydney Local Business Program provides no partnership to the Vivid Sydney official program.
• Participation in the Vivid Sydney Local Business Program does not imply inclusion in or endorsement by the official Vivid Food Program, which has a separate Expression of Interest, selection process and criteria.
• Compliance with all laws including relating to fair trading and Australian Consumer Law.
• The applicant agrees to allow Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney sponsors, Vivid Sydney contractors, media, commercial photography and film companies, and tourism third parties, to film and photograph their venue, event or content and use any images and footage without the need for credit and/or further approval. Use is given on the following basis — royalty-free, for distribution and communication worldwide, free of charge, in any media whether now known or later devised and in perpetuity.

4. 2 Tier 2

4.2.1 Category

Cruise vessels interested in illuminating their vessel in synchronisation with Vivid Sydney’s lighting activation, as part of ‘Vivid Light on Sydney Harbour’ program.

4.2.2 To be eligible, Applicants must:

• Be willing to illuminate your cruise vessel at own cost.
• Have a cruise vessel with a secure outdoor or indoor location with good 4G reception where a shoe-box sized 4G modem can be installed and powered with a standard Australian mains connection.
• Be a registered business and hold an Australian Business Number (ABN), Australian Company Number (ACN) or international equivalent.
• Comply with assessment criteria as listed below.

 4.2.3 Benefits provided by Destination NSW:

• Complimentary lighting controller box to be professionally installed in your cruise vessel pre-festival to remotely synchronise your lighting treatment to Vivid Sydney’s spectacular display during the event.
• Dedicated advertisement on the Vivid Sydney Deals & Experiences webpage with a direct link to your own website.
• Eligible businesses may be featured on Vivid Sydney LinkedIn channels, showcasing unique products, services or experiences.
• Recognition on the Vivid Light on Sydney Harbour acknowledgement page of the Vivid Sydney website, with a direct link to your dedicated business profile.
• Access to the Vivid Sydney Local Business Program digital toolkit with exclusive content and guidelines for use on your own channels

 4.2.4 Conditions:

• Successful Tier 2 applicants must procure and fund a reputable lighting treatment supplier and equipment at own cost, noting up to 160LBG pixels can be controlled (examples such as LED tape, wash fixtures or other effects as required) and that lighting fixtures must be static wash fixtures (i.e. not moving lights) and utilise RGB or RGBW colour mixing.
• Destination NSW will provide a list of recommended lighting suppliers to engage upon application.
• Successful Tier 2 applicants are required to provide a list of lighting equipment to be used on your cruise vessel to the Destination NSW team by 5.00pm on 17 April 2026.
• Successful Tier 2 applicants are required to enter an agreement for temporary use of a lighting controller box to be supplied and installed free of charge by the Destination NSW team. The agreement will be issued electronically once the successful applicant has received Destination NSW team’s lighting plan approval
• The Controller Box is owned by Destination NSW. If damage occurs to the controller box, the applicant must reimburse Destination NSW for repair or replacement costs.
• Successful Tier 2 applicants are responsible for the safety and certified power supply to the controller box including costs.
• Successful Tier 2 applicants will be responsible for all management and costs of lighting.
• Successful Tier 2 applicants will receive an official Vivid Sydney 2026 Local Business Program digital toolkit with assets, content, and guidelines for usage on owned channels. Successful Tier 2 applicants must adhere to the guidelines contained in this digital toolkit.
• Participants in the Vivid Sydney Local Business Program are not permitted to use the Vivid Sydney logo.
• Please use the graphic devices provided in the official social media toolkit. Non-compliance with this requirement may result in the removal of any non-compliant material from Vivid Sydney’s social media channels and promotional platforms.
• Allow Destination NSW team access to the vessel to install the lighting control box during the event bump in (4-22 May 2026), and out period (15-26 June 2026)
• Allow the Destination NSW team remote access to take control of vessel lighting during the Event (22 May – 13 June 2026). Power to the 4G modem must be online at least from 3pm to midnight each day; preferably the unit is left on at all times.
• Successful Tier 2 applicants will have their vessel name listed on the Vivid Light on Sydney Harbour page of the Vivid Sydney website, subject to Vivid Sydney discretion.
• Non-compliance will result in termination of the engagement with the Tier 2 applicant.
• Submitting an application does not automatically grant the applicant acceptance into the Vivid Sydney Local Business Program.
• Previous support from Destination NSW is no guarantee that an application will be accepted.
• Destination NSW reserves the right to accept or decline any application.
• Inclusion in the Vivid Sydney Local Business Program provides no official sponsorship designation.
• Inclusion in the Vivid Sydney Local Business Program provides no partnership to the Vivid Sydney official program.
• Participation in the Vivid Sydney Local Business Program does not imply inclusion in or endorsement by the official Vivid Sydney Program. Businesses in the Local Business Program are recognised as participants in the Vivid Sydney Local Business Program but are distinct from the Vivid Sydney Program, which has a separate Expression of Interest, selection process and criteria.
• Applications submitted after the published closing date will not be accepted.
• Destination NSW reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions from time to time, with any changes to be advised.
• Compliance with all laws including relating to fair trading and Australian Consumer Law.
• The applicant agrees to allow Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney sponsors, Vivid Sydney contractors, media, commercial photography and film companies, and tourism third parties, to film and photograph their venue, event or content and use any images and footage without the need for credit and/or further approval. Use is given on the following basis — royalty-free, for distribution and communication worldwide, free of charge, in any media whether now known or later devised and in perpetuity.
• In the event that the Festival is cancelled, postponed, or otherwise impacted on any given night, Destination NSW may, at its sole discretion, request that participating vessels either switch off or maintain their lighting display. Destination NSW will contact the Participant to advise the required action and timing. The Participant agrees to comply with any such direction from Destination NSW regarding lighting operations during periods of cancellation or altered programming.

4.3 Tier 3

4.3.1 Category

Businesses interested in illuminating their building façade in synchronisation with Vivid Sydney lighting activation, as part of Our Connected City program. This unique opportunity reflects the festival’s 2026 lighting treatment. Participating businesses can transform their buildings at their own cost, using free lighting controllers provided by Destination NSW.

 4.3.2 To be eligible, Applicants must:

• Be willing to illuminate your business/building at own cost.
• Be located within Vivid Sydney’s boundary (refer to map above).
• Have a building with a secure outdoor or indoor location with good 4G reception where a shoe-box sized 4G modem can be installed and powered with a standard Australian mains connection.
• Be a registered business and hold an Australian Business Number (ABN), Australian Company Number (ACN) or international equivalent.
• Comply with assessment criteria as listed below.

 4.3.3 Benefits provided by Destination NSW:

• Complimentary lighting controller box, professionally installed to synchronise your building’s lights with Vivid Sydney’s spectacular display.
• Free set of A2 Vivid Sydney window decals, professionally installed ahead of the festival to celebrate your participation.
• Selected businesses may receive a transparent circular LED screen displaying pre-programmed Vivid Sydney video content.
• Dedicated advertisement on the Vivid Sydney Deals & Experiences webpage with a direct link to your own website.
• Eligible businesses may be featured on Vivid Sydney LinkedIn channels, showcasing unique products, services or experiences.
• Recognition on the Our Connected City acknowledgement page of the Vivid Sydney website, with a direct link to your dedicated business profile.
• Access to the official Vivid Sydney digital toolkit, including brand assets, templates and content to use across your own marketing channels.
• Permission to use approved Vivid Sydney imagery (excluding the Sydney Opera House) to enhance your own marketing materials.
• Opportunity to be featured in pre-festival content capture during Vivid Sydney preview week.
• Two invitations to the exclusive Vivid Sydney Opening Night celebration (subject to availability and venue conditions).

4.3.4 Conditions:

• Successful Tier 3 applicants must procure and fund a reputable lighting treatment supplier and equipment at own cost, noting up to 160LBG pixels can be controlled (examples such as LED tape, wash fixtures or other effects as required) and that lighting fixtures must be static wash fixtures (i.e. not moving lights) and utilise RGB or RGBW colour mixing.
• Destination NSW will provide a list of recommended lighting suppliers to engage upon application.
• Successful Tier 3 applicants are required to provide a list of lighting equipment to be used on your building to the Destination NSW team by 5.00pm on 20 February 2026.
• Successful Tier 3 applicants are required to enter an agreement for temporary use of a lighting controller box to be supplied and installed free of charge by the Destination NSW team. The agreement will be issued electronically once the successful applicant has received Destination NSW team’s lighting plan approval
• The Controller Box is owned by Destination NSW. If damage occurs to the controller box, the applicant must reimburse Destination NSW for repair or replacement costs.
• Successful Tier 3 applicants are responsible for the safety and certified power supply to the controller box including costs.
• Successful Tier 3 applicants will be responsible for all management and costs of lighting.
• Allow Destination NSW team access to the building to install the lighting control box during the event bump in (4-22 May 2026), and out period (15-26 June 2026)
• Allow the Destination NSW team remote access to take control of building lighting during the Event (22 May – 13 June 2026). Power to the 4G modem must be online at least from 3pm to midnight each day; preferably the unit is left on at all times.
• Successful Tier 3 applicants will have their business/building name listed on the Ou Connected City page of the Vivid Sydney website, subject to Vivid Sydney discretion.
• Submitting an application does not automatically grant the applicant acceptance into the Vivid Sydney Local Business Program.
• Previous support from Destination NSW is no guarantee that an application will be accepted.
• Destination NSW reserves the right to accept or decline any application.
• Inclusion in the Vivid Sydney Local Business Program provides no official sponsorship or partnership designation.
• Applications submitted after the published closing date will not be accepted.
• Destination NSW reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions from time to time, with any changes to be advised.
• Compliance with all laws including relating to fair trading and Australian Consumer Law.
• The applicant agrees to allow Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney sponsors, Vivid Sydney contractors, media, commercial photography and film companies, and tourism third parties, to film and photograph their venue, event or content and use any images and footage without the need for credit and/or further approval. Use is given on the following basis — royalty-free, for distribution and communication worldwide, free of charge, in any media whether now known or later devised and in perpetuity.
• DNSW will provide the business with the Vivid Sydney brand toolkit and right to use approved ‘Vivid Sydney’ intellectual property (subject to appropriate clearances from any relevant third parties) on marketing, e-news, website, social media channels, web banner advertising and any new platforms. Such material / activities by the business will require prior written approval of Destination NSW before distribution which must be sought by the business through the DNSW Approvals Portal at least five (5) days prior to use.
• The business may use images or photographs of Vivid Sydney obtained from the public, or DNSW content library excluding the Sydney Opera House.
• Eligible businesses providing a service, product, or experience may be featured in official Vivid Sydney social media content, subject to creative relevance and scheduling opportunities.
• DNSW will provide Two (2) invitations to the Vivid Sydney opening night. Ticket availability is subject to change if Public Health orders or venue restrictions are in place.
• If the Festival is cancelled, postponed, or otherwise impacted on any given night, Destination NSW may, at its discretion, request that participating buildings either turn off or keep on their lighting display. Destination NSW will communicate the decision directly to the Participant, and the Participant must follow any instruction provided regarding lighting operations during periods of cancellation or altered programming.

5. Assessment Criteria

Each application will be assessed based on the following criteria for each tier:

• All applications must be submitted using the form on the Vivid Sydney website vividsydney.com/localbusiness.
• Unless otherwise agreed, applications received by email, post, printed delivered copies or fax will not be accepted.
• Applicants can apply for a single Tier option within their application.
• Applicants can submit one application per individual business or as a precinct with multiple businesses.
• Applicants must complete all sections of the application form and provide any supplementary documentation requested as part of the form.
• Destination NSW reserves the right to reject incomplete application forms.
• On submission of the application, applicants should see an acknowledgment message on their screen indicating that their application has been received. If you do not see this notification of receipt, please contact Destination NSW via the website: vividsydney.com/info/contact-us
• Applications must be received in full by the closing date and time advertised.
• Destination NSW does not accept late applications after the closing date, nor draft applications.
• All applicants are encouraged to thoroughly read these terms and conditions before beginning their application.
• Applications submitted are considered final and full and as proof that the applicant has read these conditions.

5.1 Tier 1

• Business located within the eligible business boundary map (pictured above).
• Business operating hours must align with Vivid Sydney 2026 operating hours (6pm – 11pm nightly, from 22 May – 13 June 2026, or at a minimum from Thursday to Sunday during these hours.
• LED screen suitability will be assessed based on the venue's proximity to the Vivid Sydney Light Walk and its ability to showcase a 1-meter diameter circular transparent LED display in a prominent, highly visible location.
• Window decal suitability will be assessed based on the venue’s proximity to the Vivid Sydney Light Walk and the size of the venue’s windows.

5.2 Tier 2

• Cruise vessels operating hours must align with Vivid Sydney 2026 operating hours (6pm – 11pm nightly, from 22 May – 13 June 2026, or at a minimum from Thursday to Sunday during these hours.
• Cruise vessel has a secure outdoor location (such as an awning or rooftop) or secure indoor location with good 4G reception where a shoe-box sized 4G modem can be installed and powered with a standard Australian mains connection.

5.3 Tier 3

• Business located within the eligible business boundary map (pictured above).
• Building has a secure outdoor location (such as an awning or rooftop) or secure indoor location with good 4G reception where a shoe-box sized 4G modem can be installed and powered with a standard Australian mains connection.
• LED screen suitability will be assessed based on the venue's proximity to the Vivid Sydney Light Walk and its ability to showcase a 1-meter diameter circular transparent LED display in a prominent, highly visible location.

Window decal suitability will be assessed based on the venue’s proximity to the Vivid Sydney Light Walk and the size of the venue’s windows.

6. Successful Applicants Per Tier

A maximum number of successful applicants per tier will be selected as per below:

• Tier 1 & 3 LED screen will be limited to up to 40 successful applicants.
• Tier 1 window decals will be limited to up to 150 successful applicants.
• Tier 2 will be limited to up to 45 successful applicants.
• Tier 3 will be limited to up to 10 successful applicants.

7. Key Dates

8.Responsibilities and Deliverables

8.1 Destination NSW is responsible for:

• Assessment, approval and notification of applications.
• Preparing and executing agreements for Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3.
• Production, installation and deinstallation of Vivid Sydney window display assets for Tier 1 & 3.
• Installations, remote control and deinstallation of Vivid Sydney LED screen for Tier 1 & 3.
• Installation, remote control and deinstallation of lighting control box for Tier 2 & Tier 3.
• Providing relevant logo’s and digital toolkit, including brand elements and a program style guide, for use in the business's own marketing campaign, subject to compliance with all Vivid Sydney & or Local Business Program guidelines.
• Providing a list of recommended lighting suppliers to Tier 2 and Tier 3 applicants to engage upon receiving application.
• Approval of marketing assets developed by each local business partner that uses Vivid Sydney & or Local Business Program brand elements.
• Marketing and promotion of the broader Vivid Sydney Local Business Program.

8.2 Tier 1 businesses will be responsible for:

• Planning and executing their own experiences, activations, events, menus, or décor. Including all planning, production, staffing and budget management.
• Planning and executing their own marketing campaign in conjunction with the Vivid Sydney Local Business Program marketing campaign.
• Ensuring that all elements of their marketing campaign, including wording and graphic device usage, fully comply with the Local Business Program marketing guidelines. Any failure to adhere to these guidelines will result in the immediate removal of non-compliant materials from all Vivid Sydney social media channels and promotional platforms.
• Participants in the Vivid Sydney Local Business Program are not permitted to use the Vivid Sydney logo. Please use the Local Business Program graphic device provided in the official social media toolkit. Non-compliance with this requirement may result in the removal of any non-compliant material from Vivid Sydney’s social media channels and promotional platforms.
• Providing Destination NSW with all artwork and wording intended for use in the business's marketing campaign in accordance with key timelines mentioned above.
• Ensuring timely delivery of business information to Destination NSW, including a business description, images, and information links for the Local Business Program deals and experience campaign, in accordance with key timelines mentioned above.
• Ensuring their operating hours align with Vivid Sydney 2025 operating hours (6pm – 11pm nightly, from (22 May – 13 June 2026), or at a minimum Thursday to Sunday during these hours.
• Provision of access to business location for installation and bump out of assets as set out in the key dates.
• Signing agreement for temporary use of LED Screen.

8.3 Tier 2 businesses will be responsible for:

• Procurement and funding of lighting treatment supplier and equipment.
• Planning and executing their own marketing campaign in conjunction with the Vivid Sydney Local Business Program marketing campaign.
• The business is responsible for ensuring that all elements of their marketing campaign, including wording and graphic device usage, fully comply with the Local Business Program marketing guidelines. Any failure to adhere to these guidelines will result in the immediate removal of non-compliant materials from all Vivid Sydney social media channels and promotional platforms.
• Participants in the Vivid Sydney Local Business Program are not permitted to use the Vivid Sydney logo. Please use the Local Business Program graphic device provided in the official social media toolkit. Non-compliance with this requirement may result in the removal of any non-compliant material from Vivid Sydney’s social media channels and promotional platforms.
• Providing Destination NSW with all artwork and wording intended for use in the business's marketing campaign by the specified due date mentioned above.
• Ensuring timely delivery of business information to Destination NSW, including a business description, images, and information links for the Local Business Program deals and experience campaign, in accordance with key timelines mentioned above.
• Signing agreement for temporary usage of lighting controller box to be supplied and installed by the Destination NSW team.
• Allowing Destination NSW team access to the vessel to install the lighting control box during the event bump in period (4-21 May 2026) and bump out period (15-28 June 2026).
• Allow the Destination NSW team remote access to take control of building lighting during the Event (22 May – 13 June 2026).

8.4 Tier 3 businesses will be responsible for:

• Procurement and funding of lighting treatment supplier and equipment.
• Planning and executing their own marketing campaign in conjunction with the Vivid Sydney marketing campaign.
• Planning and executing their own experiences, activations, events, menus, or décor. Including all planning, production, staffing and budget management.
• The business is responsible for ensuring that all elements of their marketing campaign, including wording and graphic device usage, fully comply with the Vivid Sydney marketing guidelines. Any failure to adhere to these guidelines will result in the immediate removal of non-compliant materials from all Vivid Sydney social media channels and promotional platforms.
• Providing Destination NSW with all artwork and wording intended for use in the business's marketing campaign by the specified due date mentioned above.
• Ensuring timely delivery of business information to Destination NSW, including a business description, images, and information links for the Local Business Program deals and experience campaign, in accordance with key timelines mentioned above.

9.Confidentiality

• Information provided in this application or imparted to any business owner as part of the application process must only be used for the purpose of preparing and submitting an application response. Receipt of this document implies acceptance of this condition.
• Information supplied by a business will not be treated as commercially sensitive or confidential unless specifically requested. Information received by Destination NSW may be subject to disclosure to the public under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 and regulations unless it has been provided in confidence, relates to commercially sensitive information or falls within an exemption from disclosure under that act.
• By completing the application form, you agree and consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information by Destination NSW for the purposes of The Local Business Program during Vivid Sydney 2026, including sharing your business and contact details with the Local Business Program partner for the purpose of exploring potential promotional opportunities relating to Vivid Sydney 2026. Additionally, you agree that Destination NSW may retain your contact details to reach out to you regarding the Local Business Program or other event-related information for Vivid Sydney 2027.
• Your personal information will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy laws, and Destination NSW privacy policy, which can be accessed [link to privacy policy]. You can opt out at any time.

10. Information and Enquiries

If you have any enquiries or require further information, please contact Destination NSW on the Contact Us page of the Vivid Sydney website at www.vividsydney.com/info/contact-us.