RFPs: Music BC Domestic and International Travel Grant Program (Canada)

Deadline: 09-Jan-2026

The Music BC Domestic and International Travel Grant supports B.C.-based artists with funding for touring and showcasing opportunities both within Canada and internationally. Grants cover up to 75% of eligible expenses, with maximum contributions ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 CAD depending on the type of activity.

Overview of the Grant

The Music BC Travel Grant provides financial support for artists to participate in domestic and international showcases or tours. The grant aims to help artists expand their audience, promote their music, and develop professional networks.

Grant Categories and Maximum Contributions

• Showcase Domestic: Up to $2,500 CAD

• Showcase International: Up to $5,000 CAD

• Tour Domestic: Up to $5,000 CAD (minimum 7 paid shows)

• Tour International: Up to $7,500 CAD (minimum 7 paid shows)

Eligible Expenses

• Rehearsal fees

• Visa costs

• Travel and accommodation

• Per diems

• Equipment rentals

• Marketing costs

Ineligible Expenses

• Music production

• Receptions or hospitality

• Capital purchases

• Alcohol

• Cash expenses

• Repeat trips to the same city within a short timeframe

Who is Eligible?

• B.C.-based artists or bands

• Artists participating in domestic or international showcases with an official invitation

• Touring artists with at least seven paid performances domestically or internationally

How to Apply

1. Determine the correct grant category: Showcase Domestic/International or Tour Domestic/International.

2. Gather required documentation:

   • Tour schedule and performance confirmations

   • Marketing plan outlining initiative goals and rationale

   • Artist one-sheet with updated promotional materials

   • Completed budget form

   • Previous funding pitch (if reapplying for the same initiative or territory)

3. Report all projected revenues, including guarantees, government grants, and merchandise sales. Public funding cannot exceed 75% of eligible costs.

4. Submit the completed application through the Music BC website before the intake deadline:

   • Intake Dates: October 2, 2025 – January 9, 2026

   • Activities must occur between October 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026

After Approval

• Selected artists must submit a final report including:

  • Detailed financial documentation (receipts, bank statements, or transfer confirmations)

  • Proof of acknowledgment of funding on promotional materials

• Final payments are contingent on the approval of this report

Tips for Applicants

• Apply early and ensure your application is complete

• Include detailed marketing and tour plans to demonstrate initiative goals

• Clearly document all projected revenue sources

• Double-check eligibility of expenses to avoid disqualification

FAQ

1. What is the maximum funding available? $7,500 CAD for International Tours; $2,500–$5,000 for other categories.

2. Who can apply? B.C.-based artists participating in qualifying domestic or international showcases or tours.

3. What activities qualify? Showcases with official invitations and tours with at least seven paid performances.

4. Are repeat trips to the same city eligible? No, repeated trips within a short timeframe are ineligible.

5. When is the application intake? October 2, 2025 – January 9, 2026.

6. What documents are required? Tour schedule, performance confirmations, marketing plan, artist one-sheet, completed budget form, and previous pitch if reapplying.

7. How is funding disbursed? After submission and approval of a final report with financial documentation.

Conclusion

The Music BC Domestic and International Travel Grant provides critical support for artists to expand their reach, develop professionally, and promote their music on national and international stages. Proper preparation, complete applications, and careful adherence to funding rules ensure maximum benefit from this opportunity.

For more information, visit Music BC.