Deadline: 04-Aug-2026
The Creative Australia is inviting applications for the International Travel Fund: Market Development to support travel to key international market development platforms and gatherings that help strengthen global engagement in the arts and cultural sector. The fund assists Australian artists, authors, illustrators, creative workers, and organisations to build and sustain international networks, expand professional opportunities, and strengthen Australia’s presence in international arts markets.
About the Program
The International Travel Fund: Market Development supports international travel that enables participants to engage with important market development opportunities and industry gatherings.
The programme focuses on:
- International market development
- Global arts engagement
- International networking and connections
- Professional development opportunities
- Participation in key international gatherings
- Building sustainable international partnerships
- Expanding market opportunities
- Strengthening the international profile of Australian arts and culture
The fund aims to support activities that contribute to long-term international engagement and professional growth.
Program Objectives
The programme seeks to:
- Support international travel costs
- Strengthen global engagement in the arts sector
- Build and sustain international networks
- Create opportunities for market development
- Encourage participation in key industry events
- Support international collaboration
- Enhance the visibility of Australian creative practice
- Foster sustainable professional relationships
Activities should demonstrate clear market development outcomes and professional benefits.
Eligible Art Forms
The fund is open to applicants working in:
- Community arts and cultural development
- Dance
- Emerging and experimental arts
- First Nations arts and culture
- Literature
- Multi-art form practice
- Music, excluding contemporary music as defined by Music Australia
- Theatre
- Visual arts
Activities should align with one or more of these eligible art forms.
Funding Information
Applicants may request one of the following fixed amounts:
- $5,000
- $10,000
- $15,000
- $20,000
Applications requesting any other amount will not be considered.
The funding supports international travel activities taking place between:
- 15 October 2026 and 30 June 2027
Funding is intended to assist with travel to international market development platforms and key gatherings.
Eligible Applicants
The programme is open to:
- Australian individuals
- Groups
- Organisations
- Small businesses
Eligible applicants include:
- Australian citizens based in Australia
- Australian citizens based overseas
- Australian permanent residents based in Australia
- Australian permanent residents based overseas
- Australian organisations working in the arts and culture sector
- Internationally based organisations that can demonstrate benefits for Australian artists
- Organisations currently receiving specified Creative Australia investment funding
Applicants should demonstrate how the proposed activity will support international market development.
Application Conditions
Applicants should note that:
- Only one application may be submitted per closing date.
- Individuals cannot submit a personal application while also applying on behalf of a group or organisation in the same funding round.
- Applications must request one of the specified fixed funding amounts.
- Proposed activities must occur within the eligible activity period.
Applications that do not comply with these conditions may not be considered.
Eligible Activities
Funding may be requested for:
- Attendance at international market development platforms
- Participation in key international gatherings
- Activities that strengthen international networks
- Engagement with international industry professionals
- Opportunities that support market expansion
- Activities that contribute to sustainable global connections
- Professional development through international engagement
Activities should demonstrate clear benefits for the applicant’s international practice and market development goals.
Expected Outcomes
Supported activities should contribute to:
- Stronger international networks
- Increased global engagement
- Expanded market opportunities
- Sustainable international partnerships
- Greater visibility for Australian creative practice
- Enhanced professional development
- Improved international collaboration
- Long-term benefits for Australia’s arts and cultural sector
The fund encourages activities that create meaningful and lasting international connections.
Assessment Considerations
Applications are considered based on:
- Alignment with the objectives of the fund
- The potential for market development outcomes
- The value of the proposed international engagement
- Benefits for the applicant’s professional practice
- Contribution to international networks and connections
- The potential for sustainable outcomes
Activities should demonstrate a clear rationale and expected benefits arising from participation.
Why This Program Matters
International engagement plays an important role in the growth and sustainability of Australia’s arts and cultural sector. Participation in global platforms and industry gatherings enables artists and organisations to build relationships, identify new opportunities, and strengthen their presence in international markets.
The International Travel Fund: Market Development supports Australian creatives to establish meaningful international connections that contribute to professional growth, cultural exchange, and long-term market development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the International Travel Fund: Market Development?
- The fund supports international travel to market development platforms and key gatherings that strengthen global engagement in the arts and cultural sector.
Who can apply?
- Australian individuals, groups, organisations, and small businesses that meet the eligibility requirements.
How much funding is available?
- Applicants may request fixed amounts of $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000.
What is the eligible activity period?
- Funded activities must take place between 15 October 2026 and 30 June 2027.
Which art forms are eligible?
- Community arts and cultural development, dance, emerging and experimental arts, First Nations arts and culture, literature, multi-art form, music excluding contemporary music, theatre, and visual arts.
Can applicants submit more than one application?
- No. Only one application may be submitted per closing date.
Can an individual apply personally and on behalf of an organisation in the same round?
- No. Individuals cannot submit a personal application while also applying on behalf of a group or organisation in the same funding round.
Conclusion
The International Travel Fund: Market Development provides valuable support for Australian artists, creative workers, and organisations seeking to strengthen their international engagement. By assisting participation in key international platforms and gatherings, the fund helps build sustainable networks, expand market opportunities, and enhance the global presence of Australian arts and culture.
For more information, visit Creative Australia.