Deadline: 07-Jul-2026
The Music Australia Export Development Fund is designed to support Australian contemporary music artists and music businesses in building international careers and export opportunities. Under Category 1: International Performance and Touring Activity, applicants can receive matched funding ranging from AUD $5,000 to AUD $75,000 for approved international touring and showcase activities.
The program supports:
- International headline tours
- Support tours
- Festival appearances
- Biennale performances
- Official showcase events
- Commissioned performances
- Export development activities connected to international music markets
The fund also prioritises:
- Accessibility
- Environmental sustainability
- Diversity and inclusion
- International audience development
Key Funding Details
Applicants may request:
- Minimum funding: AUD $5,000
- Maximum funding: AUD $75,000
Applicants must provide matched funding equal to or greater than the amount requested.
Example:
- If an applicant requests AUD $20,000, they must demonstrate at least AUD $20,000 in confirmed co-contributions or external funding.
Eligible Activities
The fund supports international touring and performance activities that directly contribute to international music export outcomes.
Eligible activities include:
- International concert tours
- Festival performances
- Official showcase performances
- International market appearances
- Commissioned international performances
- Touring linked to audience development
- International music export initiatives
The fund also supports export development activities such as:
- International networking opportunities
- Market development activities
- Audience engagement strategies
- Promotional activities linked to international performances
Eligible Expenses
Applicants can include a broad range of touring and export-related costs.
Supported expenses include:
Artist and Touring Costs
- Artist fees
- Creative worker fees
- Touring personnel wages
- Production support costs
Travel and Logistics
- International flights
- Accommodation
- Ground transport
- Freight and baggage expenses
- Travel insurance
- Visa costs
- Per diems
Management and Administration
- Artist management costs directly related to the activity
- Registration and showcase fees
Accessibility and Inclusion Costs
- Captioning services
- Translation services
- Audio description
- Temporary venue accessibility modifications
- Support workers or carers
- Childcare expenses
- Additional costs for d/Deaf artists and artists with disability
Sustainability Initiatives
- Costs aimed at reducing environmental impact
- Sustainable touring measures
- Low-emission transport alternatives
Ineligible Activities and Expenses
The following activities are not eligible:
- Activities taking place in Australia
- Activities occurring in the applicant’s country of residence if living overseas
- Non-contemporary music activities
- Planning or preparation work completed before the international engagement
The following expenses are not supported:
- Merchandise manufacturing
- Album or vinyl production
- Passport costs
- International relocation expenses
- Capital expenditure
- Equipment purchases unrelated to touring delivery
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Solo artists
- Instrumentalists
- Electronic music artists
- Producers
- Songwriters
- Composers
- Bands
- Ensembles
- Multiple touring acts
- Music companies
- Artist management businesses
- Touring organisations
- Music export businesses applying on behalf of artists
Applicants must be:
- Australian citizens, or
- Australian permanent residents
Activity Timeline
Projects must:
- Start between 1 October 2026 and 31 December 2026
- Be completed within 12 months of the proposed start date
Applicants should ensure all touring schedules, showcase dates, and international commitments align with these requirements.
Why This Fund Matters
The Music Australia Export Development Fund helps Australian artists compete globally by supporting:
- International audience growth
- Global music market access
- Overseas performance opportunities
- Export income generation
- Long-term international career development
The program also encourages:
- Inclusion of underrepresented artists
- Accessibility for artists with disability
- Sustainable touring practices
- Broader audience access
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Applicants should review:
- Residency requirements
- Contemporary music eligibility
- International activity dates
- Matched funding obligations
Step 2: Prepare an International Activity Plan
Applicants should clearly outline:
- Tour schedule
- Performance dates
- Showcase invitations
- Festival participation
- Export goals
- Audience development strategies
Step 3: Build a Detailed Budget
The budget should include:
- Eligible expenses
- Matched funding sources
- Quotes or cost estimates
- Accessibility costs
- Sustainability initiatives
Applicants must provide evidence of matched funding.
Step 4: Gather Supporting Documentation
Required documents may include:
- Letters of invitation
- Contracts
- Showcase confirmations
- Festival bookings
- Marketing plans
- Financial documentation
Step 5: Submit the Application
Applicants should ensure:
- All materials are complete
- Supporting evidence is included
- Budgets are accurate
- Documentation is up to date
Incomplete applications may be considered ineligible.
Tips for a Strong Application
Strong applications typically:
- Demonstrate international impact
- Explain export outcomes clearly
- Show audience growth potential
- Include strategic touring routes
- Present strong industry partnerships
- Include marketing and promotional strategies
- Highlight accessibility measures
- Demonstrate financial readiness
Accessibility examples include:
- Captioning
- Accessibility services
- Inclusive venue planning
Applicants should also provide clear evidence that:
- Matched funding is secured
- Budgets are realistic
- Costs are properly researched
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common application mistakes include:
- Missing matched funding evidence
- Including ineligible costs
- Weak export strategies
- Incomplete documentation
- Unclear budgets
- Missing contracts or invitations
Avoid including:
- Merchandise production
- Passport fees
- Australian-based activities
- Capital purchases
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Music Australia Export Development Fund?
It is a funding program supporting Australian contemporary music artists undertaking international touring, showcase performances, and export-focused activities.
How much funding is available?
Applicants can request between AUD $5,000 and $75,000.
Is matched funding required?
Yes. Applicants must provide matched funding equal to or greater than the amount requested.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include Australian citizens or permanent residents working in contemporary music, including solo artists, bands, organisations, and music businesses.
What types of music are eligible?
Only Australian contemporary music activities are eligible.
Can the funding be used for Australian tours?
No. The fund only supports international touring and export-related activities.
Are accessibility costs eligible?
Yes. Accessibility-related expenses such as captioning, audio description, carer support, and venue accessibility adjustments can be included.
Semantic SEO Keywords
Related SEO terms include:
- Australian music export grants
- International touring funding Australia
- Music touring grants 2026
- Contemporary music funding Australia
- Artist export development funding
- International showcase funding
- Festival touring grants
- Australian music industry support
- Music export assistance program
- Touring support for musicians
Conclusion
The Music Australia Export Development Fund provides major international touring and export support for Australian contemporary music artists and music businesses. With matched funding of up to AUD $75,000, the program enables artists to expand internationally through tours, showcase performances, festival appearances, and export development activities.
Artists and organisations planning international music activities between October and December 2026 should prepare early, secure matched funding, and develop strong export-focused applications that clearly demonstrate international impact, accessibility, and sustainability outcomes.
For more information, visit Creative Australia.