Music Australia Export Development Fund for International Performance and Touring Activity

Deadline: 17-Mar-2026

The Music Australia Export Development Fund – International Performance and Touring (Category 1), delivered by Creative Australia, provides matched grants of $5,000 to $75,000 to support international tours and showcase performances by Australian contemporary music artists. Eligible projects must take place overseas between 1 July 2026 and 30 September 2026 and demonstrate confirmed activity, matched funding, and measurable international impact.

Program Overview

The Music Australia Export Development Fund is a partnership between the Australian Government and the Australian music industry.

Its purpose is to strengthen the global presence of Australian contemporary music by supporting international touring and showcase activity.

Category 1: International Performance and Touring provides matched funding to assist artists and industry professionals in delivering confirmed international performances.

Grant Amount and Funding Structure

• Grant range: $5,000 to $75,000

• Funding model: Matched funding (dollar-for-dollar or greater)

• Project timeframe:

  • Must start between 1 July 2026 and 30 September 2026

  • Must be completed within 12 months of the start date

• Applications allowed: One application per category per round

Applicants must demonstrate confirmed matched funding equal to or exceeding the amount requested.

Program Objectives

The fund supports:

• International touring and showcase opportunities

• Sustainable career development pathways

• Global recognition of Australian contemporary music

• Cultural diplomacy and international engagement

• Market and audience development

• Discoverability of Australian artists

• Skills development and industry capacity building

Projects must demonstrate viability, international demand, and strategic impact.

What Types of Activities Are Funded?

Eligible international activities include:

• Headline international tours

• Support tours

• Festival appearances

• Biennale performances

• Commissioned performances

• Official showcase performances

All activity must take place outside Australia and outside the applicant’s country of residence.

Eligible Costs

Funding may cover:

• Artist and creative worker fees

• Limited artist management costs directly related to the activity

• International travel and accommodation

• Visas

• Freight and transport of equipment

• Childcare and access costs

• Event registration fees

• Accessibility-related expenses

• Costs to reduce environmental impact

Budgets must be realistic, clearly itemised, and aligned with confirmed activity.

Ineligible Costs

Funding will not support:

• Activity that does not meet the definition of contemporary music

• Activity within Australia

• Album or merchandise manufacturing

• Passport costs

• Relocation expenses

• Capital expenditure

• Planning undertaken in the country of residence

Applications including ineligible costs may be deemed non-compliant.

Who Is Eligible?

The fund supports:

• Emerging artists

• Breakthrough artists

• Established artists

Eligible applicant types include:

• Solo artists

• Bands and ensembles

• Instrumentalists

• Electronic artists

• Producers

• Songwriters and composers

• Groups touring together

• Organisations or music businesses applying on behalf of artists

Priority may be given to first-time recipients.

First Nations applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants must:

• Meet the definition of Australian contemporary music

• Comply with First Nations Protocols (where relevant)

• Meet requirements under the Commonwealth Child Safe Framework

• Provide confirmed activity and matched funding evidence

Assessment Criteria

Applications are assessed through industry advice and evaluated on:

1. Viability

• Confirmed international bookings

• Realistic timelines

• Feasible logistics

• Matched funding secured

2. International Impact

• Evidence of market demand

• Audience development strategy

• Long-term export potential

• Strategic partnerships

3. Alignment with National Cultural Policy

• Support for original Australian music

• Sustainable career pathways

• Cultural diplomacy objectives

• Global discoverability

Clear and relevant support material strengthens applications.

Required Support Material

Applicants must provide:

• Confirmation of international bookings or invitations

• Evidence of matched funding

• Detailed budget

• Timeline

• Evidence of international market interest

• Information on collaborators or partners

Applications lacking confirmed activity or matched funding are unlikely to succeed.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your project:

• Qualifies as Australian contemporary music

• Takes place internationally

• Falls within the eligible timeframe

Step 2: Secure Matched Funding

You must demonstrate funding equal to or greater than your requested grant.

Step 3: Confirm International Activity

Obtain:

• Written confirmations

• Contracts or letters of offer

• Festival invitations

• Showcase acceptance documentation

Step 4: Prepare a Strong Budget

Include:

• Itemised eligible costs

• Clear justification

• Proof of co-investment

Step 5: Submit One Application Per Category

Tailor the application specifically to Category 1 requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without confirmed international bookings

• Failing to demonstrate matched funding

• Including ineligible costs

• Submitting vague market development plans

• Overestimating projected outcomes

• Providing excessive but irrelevant support material

Clarity, evidence, and precision are critical.

Why This Fund Matters

International touring is essential for:

• Expanding global audiences

• Increasing export revenue

• Building international partnerships

• Strengthening Australia’s cultural diplomacy

This fund reduces financial risk and supports strategic international expansion for Australian contemporary music artists.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the funding range?

Grants range from $5,000 to $75,000 and require matched funding.

2. When must the activity take place?

Projects must begin between 1 July 2026 and 30 September 2026 and finish within 12 months of the start date.

3. Can organisations apply on behalf of artists?

Yes. Music businesses and organisations may apply on behalf of eligible artists.

4. Does the fund support album production?

No. Album or merchandise manufacturing costs are ineligible.

5. Are accessibility costs eligible?

Yes. Accessibility-related costs can be included to ensure inclusive participation.

6. Is funding available for domestic tours?

No. The activity must take place internationally.

7. Are First Nations artists encouraged to apply?

Yes. First Nations applicants are encouraged to apply, and compliance with relevant protocols is required where applicable.

Conclusion

The Music Australia Export Development Fund – International Performance and Touring (Category 1), delivered by Creative Australia, provides matched funding to help Australian contemporary music artists expand internationally.

With grants of up to $75,000, the program supports confirmed tours, showcase appearances, and strategic export development initiatives that strengthen Australia’s global music presence. Applicants with confirmed bookings, secured co-investment, and clear international growth strategies are best positioned for success.

For more information, visit Creative Australia.