Open Call for Contemporary Music Touring Program – Australia

The Creative Australia Contemporary Music Touring Program provides funding of AUD 5,000–50,000 to support national tours featuring original Australian contemporary music. The program prioritizes regional, remote, and very remote touring, helping artists expand audiences, strengthen local music ecosystems, and increase access to live Australian music across the country.

Overview

The Contemporary Music Touring Program by Creative Australia supports Australian musicians to undertake national tours performing original contemporary music. The program is designed to expand access to live music, particularly in regional, remote, and very remote communities, while strengthening professional touring pathways for Australian artists. Funding supports tours that include at least three venues or locations outside the performer’s hometown.

Program Objectives

What the Program Aims to Achieve

The program seeks to:

• Increase access to live Australian contemporary music nationwide

• Support sustainable touring careers for Australian musicians

• Strengthen cultural life in regional and remote communities

• Reduce geographic barriers for artists based outside major cities
  Priority is given to tours that include regional or remote destinations or support artists living in these areas.

Funding Amounts and Categories

How Much Funding Is Available

Applicants may request funding based on the tour itinerary:

• Up to AUD 15,000 for tours with metropolitan performances only

• Up to AUD 25,000 for tours including at least one regional or remote performance

• Up to AUD 50,000 for tours with at least three confirmed remote or very remote locations
  Artists based in remote or very remote locations may request up to AUD 50,000 for intrastate or interstate tours if a strong rationale is provided.

Eligible Costs

What the Grant Can Cover

Funding may be used for:

• Artist and creative worker fees

• Agent or manager fees

• Travel and accommodation

• Insurance and freight

• Childcare or carer costs

• Accessibility-related expenses

• Environmentally sustainable touring costs
  All expenses must be directly related to delivering the tour.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

Applicants may apply as:

• An individual artist

• A group or band

• An organisation
  All applications must feature original Australian contemporary music performed by Australian artists.

Ineligible Tours

The following tours are not eligible:

• Tours with fewer than three venues outside the performer’s hometown

• Overseas tours

• Tours by non-Australian performers

• Tours without original Australian contemporary music

• Tours that have already taken place

• Primarily school-based tours, except in remote or very remote areas

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Design a tour featuring at least three venues outside your hometown

2. Confirm venues and identify regional or remote locations where possible

3. Prepare a realistic budget and funding request aligned with the tour category

4. Compile artistic support material, including audio or video links

5. Submit the application through Creative Australia’s application portal
   Applicants may submit a maximum of two applications per funding round.

Assessment Criteria

How Applications Are Evaluated

Applications are peer-assessed against three core criteria:

Quality

• Artistic merit of the music

• Strength of artistic support material

• Track record of key artists involved

Impact

• Regional and remote reach of the tour

• Community and audience benefits

• Partnerships with venues, presenters, or communities

Viability

• Feasibility of the tour plan and schedule

• Realistic and balanced budget

• Marketing strategies

• Safety, accessibility, and environmental sustainability plans

Supporting Materials

What to Include with Your Application

Applicants may submit:

• URLs to music, videos, or live performance recordings

• Short bios or CV summaries of participating artists

• Up to five letters of support

• Evidence of environmental impact or sustainability planning
  All materials should directly support the assessment criteria.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Planning fewer than three venues outside the hometown

• Applying for funding after the tour has already occurred

• Requesting funding beyond the allowed limit for the tour category

• Submitting weak or incomplete artistic support material

• Failing to demonstrate regional or community impact

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Contemporary Music Touring Program?

It is a Creative Australia funding program supporting national tours by Australian artists performing original contemporary music.

How much funding can I apply for?

Funding ranges from AUD 5,000 to AUD 50,000 depending on tour locations and regional or remote involvement.

Do I need regional or remote shows to apply?

No, but tours including regional or remote locations are strongly prioritised and eligible for higher funding.

Can I apply if I live in a remote area?

Yes. Artists based in remote or very remote locations can apply for up to AUD 50,000 with a compelling touring rationale.

How many applications can I submit?

Each applicant may submit up to two applications per round.

Are school tours eligible?

School-based tours are generally ineligible, except when delivered in remote or very remote areas.

Can the grant cover childcare or accessibility costs?

Yes. Childcare, carer, accessibility, and sustainability-related expenses are eligible.

Why This Program Matters

The Contemporary Music Touring Program plays a critical role in supporting Australian musicians to reach new audiences, sustain touring careers, and bring live contemporary music to communities beyond major cities. By prioritising regional and remote touring, the program strengthens cultural equity and national music infrastructure.

Conclusion

The Creative Australia Contemporary Music Touring Program offers essential funding for Australian artists to tour original contemporary music nationally. With flexible funding tiers, strong regional focus, and support for sustainable touring, the program empowers musicians to expand their reach while enriching Australia’s live music landscape.