Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The Touring and Travel Fund – International Touring supports established NSW artists and acts in pursuing career-defining international touring opportunities through matched funding for travel and accommodation expenses. The programme is designed to help artists expand into global markets, grow international audiences, and strengthen the international profile of New South Wales contemporary music.
About the Program
The programme provides financial support to established artists and acts undertaking significant international touring activities.
The programme focuses on:
- International touring opportunities
- Travel and accommodation costs
- Artist and act development
- Export outcomes
- International audience growth
- Promotion of NSW music
- Support for touring personnel
- Expansion of global music market engagement
- International industry relationship building
- Long-term career development
The initiative aims to help artists maximise opportunities that can elevate their international careers.
Program Objectives
The programme seeks to:
- Support established NSW artists and acts to undertake international tours
- Increase the global visibility of NSW contemporary music
- Strengthen export outcomes
- Expand international fan bases
- Create opportunities for career advancement
- Facilitate connections with international industry professionals
- Encourage sustainable international growth
- Support strategic touring activities
- Strengthen artists’ global presence
- Promote long-term engagement with international music markets
Projects should demonstrate the potential to contribute to meaningful career progression.
Funding Information
Under the programme:
- Applicants may request up to $30,000 in matched funding.
- Funding supports travel and accommodation expenses associated with international touring.
- Applicants are required to match the requested amount through their own cash contribution.
Priority is given to expenses directly supporting artists and acts, although eligible costs associated with support personnel may also be considered.
Eligible Activities
Funding may support:
- International touring activities
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation costs
- Touring activities that support export outcomes
- Audience development initiatives
- Activities that strengthen international market engagement
- Touring personnel expenses
- Strategic career development opportunities
- International industry networking
- Activities that expand global reach
Activities should demonstrate clear international touring benefits.
Eligible Applicants
The programme is open to:
- Established artists
- Established acts
- Music businesses applying on behalf of an artist or act
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have resided in New South Wales for a minimum of 12 months
- Be actively performing or working in contemporary music
- Hold an active Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Maintain a bank account registered under the same name as the ABN, or work through a funds administrator
- Match the requested funding amount with their own cash contribution
In addition:
- At least 50 percent of the touring party must currently live in New South Wales and meet the same residency requirement.
Definition of an Established Artist or Act
An established artist or act must be able to demonstrate:
- A strong fan base in Australia
- A growing or established international audience
- A substantial history of national and/or international touring
- A dedicated team supporting their career development
- A clear export strategy focused on international outcomes
Applicants should provide evidence of their readiness to maximise international touring opportunities.
Ineligible Activities
The programme does not support activities involving:
- Experimental music
- Sound art
- Contemporary classical music
- Opera
- Choral performance
- Ensemble performance
- Music theatre
- Community music groups
Only eligible contemporary music activities will be considered.
Contemporary Music Definition
For the purposes of this programme, contemporary music refers to:
- Artists and acts performing new and original music.
Applicants should ensure their work aligns with this definition before applying.
Application Requirements
Applicants are expected to provide:
- Evidence of eligibility
- Details of the proposed international tour
- Information demonstrating export potential
- Documentation supporting residency requirements
- ABN details
- Information regarding matched cash contributions
- Evidence of touring history and audience development
- Details of the artist or act’s professional team
Applications should clearly explain how the tour will contribute to career growth and international engagement.
Expected Outcomes
Supported activities should contribute to:
- Increased international exposure
- Stronger export outcomes
- Expanded global audiences
- Enhanced industry relationships
- Greater international recognition for NSW artists
- Sustainable career growth
- Increased opportunities in overseas markets
- Stronger international networks
- Improved market positioning
- Promotion of NSW contemporary music worldwide
The programme encourages activities that generate lasting international benefits.
Assessment Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Eligibility of the applicant
- Strength of the proposed international opportunity
- Evidence of export readiness
- Touring history and professional track record
- Potential for career advancement
- Capacity to deliver the proposed activities
- Alignment with programme objectives
- Demonstrated matched funding commitment
Projects with strong international potential and clear strategic outcomes are encouraged.
Why This Program Matters
International touring provides artists with opportunities to reach new audiences, establish valuable industry relationships, and create pathways for long-term professional growth. However, the costs associated with overseas touring can often limit access to these opportunities.
The Touring and Travel Fund – International Touring helps established NSW artists overcome these barriers by supporting strategic international activities that strengthen careers and showcase NSW contemporary music on the global stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Touring and Travel Fund – International Touring?
- The programme supports established NSW artists and acts undertaking significant international touring opportunities through matched funding for travel and accommodation expenses.
How much funding is available?
- Applicants may request up to $30,000 in matched funding.
Who can apply?
- Established artists, established acts, and music businesses applying on behalf of an artist or act that meet the eligibility requirements.
What is meant by matched funding?
- Applicants must contribute their own cash contribution equal to the amount requested through the programme.
Who qualifies as an established artist or act?
- Applicants must demonstrate a strong fan base, substantial touring history, a dedicated professional team, and a clear export strategy.
What types of music are eligible?
- The programme supports artists and acts performing new and original contemporary music.
Which activities are not eligible for support?
- Experimental music, sound art, contemporary classical music, opera, choral and ensemble performance, music theatre, and community music group activities are not eligible.
Conclusion
The Touring and Travel Fund – International Touring provides established NSW artists and acts with targeted support to pursue significant international opportunities and strengthen their presence in global music markets. Through matched funding and a focus on export development, the programme helps contemporary musicians expand their reach, build sustainable careers, and promote NSW music to audiences around the world.
For more information, visit NSW Government.
