2026 Art Music Fund now open for applications

$127,500 in funding for 17 established composers from Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand

Applications are open now until Monday 16 February 2026

APRA AMCOS, in partnership with the Australian Music Centre (AMC), SOUNZ Centre for New Zealand Music and Music Australia, has announced that the 2026 Art Music Fund is now open for submissions. 

The Fund provides AU$7,500 each for 17 established composers, 15 from Australia and two from Aotearoa New Zealand, to create commissioned work with the intention of ensuring a long artistic life for the work and its composer.  

In February 2026 Music Australia became a funding partner, contributing an additional $45,000 to fund six more Australian composers - bringing the total number of Australian positions to 15 (up from 9).

Partners in the work can include ensembles, orchestras, producers, recording companies, broadcasters, festivals and other parties with the aim of guaranteed multiple exposures by way of performances, recordings, broadcasts or digital dissemination.  

The Fund was launched in 2016 in recognition of the limited opportunities for art music composers to have new works performed. It directly funds new work and provides winning composers with professional support to grow their repertoire in a sustainable way. 

Previous winners have included Biddy Connor, Cat Hope, Christine Pan, Dylan Lardelli, Erkki Veltheim, Liza Lim, Megan Alice Clune, Mindy Meng Wang and Phoebe Bognar. 

A wide range of music styles are supported by the Fund including notated composition; electroacoustic music; improvised music; jazz; sound art; installation sound; multimedia, web and film sound and music; and theatrical, operatic and choreographed music. Each entry will be assessed by an external panel of musicians from a diverse mix of cultures, gender, geography, generation and genre. +

Chris O’Neill, Director of Creative Programs at APRA AMCOS, explains: “Maintaining a sustainable practice is a constant struggle for many composers. The Art Music Fund aims to provide professional support, giving them the opportunity to have work commissioned on a large scale and ensuring they’re seen by a wider audience for many years to come.” 

Catherine Haridy, CEO of AMC, adds: “The Art Music Fund is essential to the sustainability and visibility of our creators. By supporting the commissioning of new works and ensuring they reach new audiences, the Fund strengthens artistic careers in a lasting and meaningful way. We’re proud to continue working with APRA AMCOS and SOUNZ to champion this opportunity." 

“We're delighted to once again partner with APRA AMCOS and the Australian Music Centre on this wonderful initiative, supporting a diverse range of compositional talent. This important programme is vital to the creation and performance of new art music in Aotearoa and Australia,” adds Hannah Darroch, CE of SOUNZ. 

Applications are open now until Monday 16 February 2026. Winners will be announced in May 2026.