Deadline: 07-Jul-2026
The Creative Australia International Market and Audience Development Fund supports Australian contemporary music artists to expand their international reach through targeted promotion, marketing, and audience development activities. The programme is designed to strengthen global visibility for Australian music across emerging, breakthrough, and established artists and acts.
The fund focuses on international promotion, digital marketing, and audience growth strategies that help Australian music professionals access and build sustainable international markets.
Overview
This programme supports export-focused initiatives that increase the international profile of Australian contemporary music. It enables artists and music businesses to invest in promotional campaigns, content creation, and strategic marketing designed for overseas audiences.
The fund prioritises activities that directly contribute to international audience development and professional music promotion outside Australia.
Programme Objectives
The fund aims to:
- Support international promotion of Australian contemporary music
- Strengthen global audience development for Australian artists
- Increase export opportunities for music professionals
- Enhance visibility across international markets
- Support innovative digital and media-based promotion strategies
- Enable sustainable international career development for artists
Eligible Music Practitioners
The programme supports a wide range of contemporary music professionals, including:
- Solo artists and performers
- Bands and ensembles
- Instrumentalists
- Electronic music artists and producers
- Songwriters and composers
- Music businesses and organisations applying on behalf of artists
Both emerging and established acts are eligible to apply.
Funding Information
- Funding range: $2,000 – $10,000
- Matched funding: Required (equal to or greater than requested amount)
- Project duration: Up to 12 months
- Activity start window: 1 October 2026 – 31 December 2026
Eligible Activities and Costs
The fund supports international export-related activities, including:
Promotional and Marketing Activities
- International PR and publicity campaigns
- International radio promotion campaigns
- Digital marketing and audience targeting strategies
- Social media campaigns for international audiences
Content Creation
- Music videos for international markets
- Social media reels and digital content
- Lyric translations and localisation
Travel and Logistics
- Flights and accommodation
- Ground transport and travel insurance
- Visa costs
- Freight and baggage transport
Accessibility and Inclusion Costs
- Captioning and translation services
- Audio description services
- Interpreters and accessibility support workers
- Technical equipment for accessibility
- Carers and support personnel
Additional Eligible Costs
- Event registration fees
- Childcare and access-related support
- Costs to reduce environmental impact of touring or promotion
Ineligible Activities
The programme does not fund:
- Activities outside contemporary music
- Projects conducted within Australia
- Album or merchandise manufacturing
- Passport application costs
- International relocation expenses
- Capital expenditure (e.g., studio infrastructure, instruments)
- Planning or preparation work in the applicant’s home country
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include:
- Australian citizens or permanent residents
- Individual artists or groups
- Music businesses or organisations applying on behalf of artists
Additional conditions:
- First Nations applicants are strongly encouraged to apply
- Previous recipients may reapply (first-time applicants may be prioritised)
Applicants are not eligible if they:
- Have already applied to the same category in the current round
- Have overdue grant reporting obligations
- Owe money to Creative Australia
- Have applied for the same activity under Arts Projects grants
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure that:
- You meet residency or citizenship requirements
- Your project is contemporary music-focused
- Your activity is export and international audience oriented
Step 2: Develop Project Plan
Include:
- International promotion strategy
- Audience development objectives
- Marketing and content creation plan
- Timeline within approved activity window
Step 3: Secure Matched Funding
Applicants must:
- Demonstrate equal or greater co-funding
- Confirm financial viability of the project
Step 4: Prepare Application
Include:
- Project description and objectives
- Budget breakdown
- Marketing and audience strategy
- Accessibility and inclusion measures (if applicable)
Step 5: Submit Application
Submit through the Creative Australia application system within the specified round.
Tips for Applicants
- Focus on measurable international audience growth outcomes
- Align marketing strategies with specific overseas markets
- Demonstrate strong digital and social media engagement plans
- Ensure matched funding is clearly documented
- Include accessibility and inclusion costs where relevant
- Prioritise scalable and sustainable international promotion strategies
- Tailor content specifically for international audiences
Why This Programme Matters
The global music industry is highly competitive, and international visibility is essential for career growth in contemporary music. This programme supports Australian artists in accessing international markets, building global audiences, and strengthening export opportunities through strategic promotion and professional marketing support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the funding range?
- $2,000 to $10,000.
- Is matched funding required?
- Yes, equal to or greater than the amount requested.
- What is the project timeframe?
- Up to 12 months, starting between 1 October and 31 December 2026.
- Who can apply?
- Australian citizens, permanent residents, artists, groups, and music businesses.
- What activities are funded?
- International promotion, marketing, content creation, and touring-related costs.
- What is not funded?
- Domestic activities, capital purchases, albums, merchandise, and relocation costs.
- Are First Nations artists encouraged to apply?
- Yes, strongly encouraged.
Conclusion
The Creative Australia International Market and Audience Development Fund supports Australian contemporary music artists in expanding their global reach through targeted international promotion and audience development strategies. By funding export-focused activities, the programme strengthens the international presence of Australian music and supports sustainable artistic careers in global markets.
For more information, visit Creative Australia.
