Funding, opportunities & grants

Are you interested in nominating for the 2026 NIMAs?

To nominate an artist for this years National Indigenous Music Awards please note the following steps:

1. You must first Register to be added to the nomination portal
2. Register through the link that will be emailed to you
3. Nominate for this years awards

Please contact [email protected] with any questions.

Learn more & nominate. 

Bush Bands Bash is the premier Indigenous music event in Central Australia, providing a massive stage for remote bands to showcase their talent to a national audience. Bush Bands Bash is open to any Indigenous musician living in a remote or very remote area in Australia, offering a unique opportunity to share stories and culture through music.

Each year, 10 bands are selected to participate in the program, with a minimum of two acts specifically chosen through the Divas stream. Bush Bands Bash is more than just a gig; it is a professional pathway for Indigenous musicians from remote and very remote Australia to build lasting careers through elite mentorship and high-end technical preparation.

The Bush Bands General Stream is for male, female, or mixed-gendered First Nations Australian bands and solo artists from remote or very remote areas of Australia. You must be available from 9–13 September 2026.

The Bush Bands Divas stream is for solo female singers, all-female groups, or female-led mixed-gender, First Nations Australian bands who want extra support. This stream includes additional one-on-one mentorship and rehearsal time with professional session musicians. You must be available from 8–13 September 2026.

Learn more and apply.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid (ATSI MHFA) is a nationally accredited training program that empowers you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to recognise, connect and effectively support First Nations people who may be experiencing mental health issues or a mental health crisis. Support Act are partnering with Deon Bird Training to provide this training to the music industry. 

This course is for First Nations peoples and non-Indigenous people working with First Nations peoples.

This strengths-based course has been developed and reviewed in consultation with Australia’s First Nations people. The course ensures participants are grounded in social and emotional well-being from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective, equipping them with the skills to provide mental health first aid in a culturally safe and informed way.  

You will learn how to recognise common mental health issues, provide initial help using a practical, evidence-based action plan, respond in a mental health crisis situation and seek appropriate professional help.

Support Act is thrilled to make this training available free (usually $330 per person) to support a mentally healthier and thriving music industry.

Ongoing.

Yarning Strong is a series of online and in-person panel discussions that explore the mental health and well-being of First Nations peoples working in the music industry.

This free event features leading panelists in the First Nations music community discussing topics from mental health to music and sharing their own lived experiences to uplift the First Nations music industry community and the wider music industry community.

This program is supported by Helping Hands, JB Hi-Fi’s workplace giving program.

Missed a session? Watch our latest Yarning Strong videos here. 

Ongoing.

The Voices Rising Fund is a major new initiative from the Awesome Black Foundation, designed to elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices by supporting the creation of publishable works across literature and music of all styles and genres. A maximum of $60,000 is available each year to be distributed to selected projects.

There is no closing date for the Voices Rising Fund. Artists should pay close attention to the eligibility and submission guidelines, and apply with as much information as possible about their project or idea including the audience of the project and its position in the market.

ATSI Collaboration Fund supports local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led projects that build stronger local communities. Cash funding up to $50,000 is available, for projects to be delivered within 12 months.
Ongoing

Supports local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led projects that build stronger communities. Cash funding up to $50,000 is available, for projects to be delivered within 12 months.

Funding supports increased self-determination and equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through projects that connect people with community, country and culture.

Open now until budget is exhausted

Would you or anyone you know be interesting in gaining experience in the Music Industry? Blak Label Music is a hub for First Nations creatives and musicians, based in Meanjin, Naarm and Gadigal land.

Blak Label brings First Nations music and stories to the industry and global audiences. We may call ourselves a record label, but we’re so much more than that, which means any volunteer will get real, hands-on experience in many facets of the industry, including:

• Show and event booking and promotion
• Artist development
• Public relations
• Marketing
• Industry engagement and artist management.
  

Find out more

MusicNSW First Nations Music Development Coordinator Kaleena Smith has led the development of this range of resources in consultation with First Nations organisations and artists to provide artists and industry with easy-to-use guides, checklists and templates.

Find out more here.

MOMENTUM Plus is the Australian Music Centre's orchestral recording project. The program is intended to support Australian composers to record large-scale orchestral works, enabling exclusive ownership and utilisation to connect with audiences and unlock potential performance opportunities.

The orchestra remains an important medium for contemporary music, yet is fundamentally inaccessible to composers beyond traditional and highly competitive pathways. MOMENTUM Plus seeks to bridge industry gaps where: orchestral works can be heard beyond the premiere performance, and artists have full control recordings of their works to further advance their creative portfolio.

2026 MOMENTUM Plus - EOI now open

Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the 2026 MOMENTUM Plus project are open from Thursday 16 April to Thursday 31 May 2026. AMC Associate and Represented Artists, and AMC paid members can submit a work of up to 5-minutes to be 1 of the 10 works selected for recording and mixing at Trackdown Studios in Sydney (Gadigal) NSW.

EOIs close 5pm AEST Thursday 31 May.

The Contemporary Music Touring Program (CMTP) supports national touring activity undertaken by Australian musicians performing original Australian contemporary music.

The tour must comprise of performances in at least three venues or locations outside of the performer’s hometown. Tours that include regional and remote destinations, or which assist performers residing in regional and remote areas to tour, are a priority for funding.

Grants are available from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on the number of tour venues or locations in regional or remote areas.

Applications close: Tuesday 2 June 2026 at 3pm AEST

The Creative Australia National Arts and Disability Awards celebrate the work and achievements of d/Deaf artists and artists with disability. The Awards recognise the important contribution these artists make to arts and culture in Australia. 

• The National Arts and Disability Award (Established) is for an artist with a significant, long-term career. They will have made a major contribution to their area of practice. Their work will be recognised nationally or internationally. They will receive $50,000.
• The National Arts and Disability Award (Early Career) is for an artist who is earlier in their career. They will have made a strong contribution to their area of practice. They will receive $20,000.

We will offer a second Early Career Award in 2026, with thanks to Creative Australia and its employees through the Workplace Giving program. 

The Awards are decided by Creative Australia, informed by key industry advisors.

Nominations close 2 June at 3pm AEST. 

Creative Australia Fellowships of $80,000 support outstanding, established artists’ and arts workers’ activity and professional development for a period of one to two years.

Fellowships are offered in the areas of: Arts and Disability; Community Arts and Cultural Development; Dance; Emerging and Experimental Arts; First Nations; Literature; Music; Theatre; Visual Arts.

If you are successful, the payments will be made in two tranches: $75,000 on acceptance of the funding contract, and $5,000 on acquittal.

Applications close: Tuesday 2 June 2026, 3pm AEST  

The Playing Australia Project investment supports performing arts tours to reach regional and remote communities across Australia.

You may apply for any costs necessary for the completion of a successful regional tour with a confirmed itinerary.

Creative Australia acknowledges that flexibility is required when touring and supports a variety of touring models. Applicants may seek investment for alternative touring models that:

• propose activity such as residency models with live performance outcomes or concept touring
• present a tour that includes significant and targeted community engagement
• present an annual touring program for single or multiple works
• propose a digital tour.

You can apply for support towards:

• a tour that has a confirmed itinerary
• payment of fees and salaries for artists and touring party
• costs associated with remounting or rehearsing a work
• production costs associated with touring the work or delivering the activity
• touring costs including freight, transport, accommodation and travel allowances
• tour co-ordination
• costs associated with reducing the environmental impact of your tour
• costs associated with supporting the wellbeing of the touring company
• a reasonable contingency to address potential disruptions to the usual environment (e.g. natural disasters, cost inflation, significant illness).

Applications close: Tuesday 2 June 2026 at 3pm AEST

If you know an inspiring female or gender-diverse artist or music practitioner in the Australian Music Industry, whether they be a songwriter, peer, colleague, regional or remote artist, leader, someone working behind the scenes, a tech or a friend or simply part of our music community – nominate them for the AWMAs!

Nominations close 8 June.

Unsigned Only Music Awards

The Unsigned Only Music Awards is a global competition dedicated to independent artists, including APRA members across Australia and New Zealand. Open to original songs and covers, it offers a rare chance for unsigned artists to gain international recognition while staying independent.
Judged by top industry professionals, one artist will be named Artist of the Year and receive $20,000 (USD), along with a custom award from Society Awards.

Recent winners include last year’s Grand Prize winner, Orlando Kallen, showcasing the global opportunities the competition creates.

APRA AMCOS members receive USD$5 off the USD$35 entry fee by applying the APRA26!UO discount code at checkout. 

Closes 18 June. 

The Music Australia Core Contribution Fund supports Australian music organisations that represent specific cohorts of Australian artists and industry professionals. These include peak bodies, trade associations and member organisations. It provides a two-year investment for core operations and staffing to build stability and capacity in the Australian contemporary music sector.  

Applying organisations must select the primary focus of the group they represent from the following options:  

• a specific musical genre
• diverse representation (e.g. gender equity)
• geographic representation (e.g. a specific fixed regional area)
• a specific music industry membership group.

Successful organisations receive between $100,000 - $140,000 split over 2 years ($50,000 - $70,000 per year).

Applications close: Tuesday 23 June 2026, 3pm AEST. 

The Emerging Artist Grants program offers grants of up to $15,000 to assist talented emerging and early-career artists in taking up professional development opportunities, usually overseas.

Professional development opportunities allow emerging artists to gain experience, develop networks and learn skills from the world's best. We believe these experiences are invaluable for individual artists and the ongoing development of Australia's vibrant arts sector.

Applications close 23 June 5pm AEST

Are you ready to take the stage at Groundwater CMF? If you’ve got the passion, energy and country spirit, we want to hear from you!

The team will begin reviewing all applications following the closure date.

Applications close 28 July.

GLOW is an Australian music platform amplifying artists from Australia and New Zealand through radio, podcasts, and stories.

GLOW celebrates creativity across generations and genres. A 24/7 online station, GLOW Radio, features 100% Australian and New Zealand music — ad-free and expertly curated.

Submit your music

Use the form below to submit your music. Submit one song per form. 

GLOW RADIO plays 100% Australian and New Zealand music, with a focus on female, gender diverse artists.
 

As a band or artist you can apply via the form - https://www.reeperbahnfestival.com/en/artist-submission 

If you are an artist, band, or filmmaker with an original music video that you’d like to see on rage, submit your video!

Learn more & submit here. 

UNIFIED Ground Floor is a career-changing opportunity for emerging, independent Australian artists. Six months of hands-on support, mentorship and release guidance powered by the UNIFIED ecosystem.
Includes strategic mentorship, skills & education, release, marketing and DSP support and a live performance opportunity. To be eligible, you must:

• Be an independent artist or band
• Existing Community Music artists welcome to apply!
• Have three original songs or demos to share with us
• Have an EP, LP or multiple singles you'd like to release via Community Music within the next 12 months
• Commitment to 6-month program duration
• Residents living in Australia
• All band members 16 years & over

Learn more & apply.

Entries are open for the Unsigned Only Music Competition.
The Grand Prize Winner will be awarded $20,000 (US) in cash plus additional prizes consisting of merchandise and services, all geared toward helping an artist's career. First Place and Second Place winners will also be selected in each category and will be awarded prizes. The First Place winner in the Screen Shot category will also be mentored by a group of music execs who place songs in film, tv, ads, and video games.

$35USD/ song
No deadline given.

Submit an application to become a Sofar artist and be eligible to play Sofar shows in unique venues in more than 400 cities worldwide. Turn listeners into fans, reach new markets and connect with other artists!

Ongoing

The Australian Cultural Fund (ACF) is a fundraising platform for Australian artists.

Through the ACF, artists upload their project, start their fundraising campaign and invite art lovers and supporters to donate with 100% of donations going directly towards artists’ creative projects.

Through Creative Australia’s bespoke one-on-one coaching sessions, we work in a facilitative style to equip you with the tools, knowledge and opportunities to improve your fundraising capability.

Creative Australia aims to empower artists and arts organisations to secure support from philanthropists, trusts and foundations and develop robust and fruitful business partnerships.

The Toolkit that takes you from first idea to final master.

This toolkit, developed by EMC, is a comprehensive guide for emerging electronic music creators in Australia and the Asia-Pacific, blending a structured framework with insights from Yikes, Nina Las Vegas, Tom Cameron, Dave Whitehead, Chris Rigney, Jonah Hammond, Dualist Inquiry (Sahej Bakshi), Angus Russell, Mincy and Klaus Hill.  It covers the creative, collaborative, and technical aspects of music production, from crafting a unique sound to creating and preparing tracks for mixing and mastering so they’re ready for live performance and release. 

Toolkit topics: 

• Finding Your Sound
• Studio to Stage
• Collaboration & Splits
• Feedback Loop
• Mixing
• Mastering Magic

If you’re an artist or performer who has previously or currently worked in NSW pubs, clubs, music venues, festivals or other licensed events – your experience matters.

A new survey has been launched by University of New South Wales and University of Melbourne to help inform future NSW Government and industry policy on sexual harassment and sexual assault in the hospitality sector.

The survey is anonymous and confidential, and it includes artists and performers who work in licensed venues and events, as their working environments often align closely with those of hospitality workers.

Take the survey now via our link in bio – and if you represent or work with artists, please share the survey to make sure voices are heard from across the sector.

This survey is a key component of a research project funded by Liquor & Gaming NSW, 24 Hour Economy NSW and Sound NSW, led through the University of Melbourne. The goal is to reduce harm and create safer workplaces by producing evidence-based strategies and policy recommendations for venue operators, employers and government.

Learn more and share your experience here. 

A new database to help NSW Government agencies find your music for future opportunities.

NSW artists/acts and songwriters to join a database of NSW music professionals, called the Championing NSW Music database.

The database will act as a resource to help government agencies discover NSW talent for consideration for use. This might include live performances at events, bespoke commissions for advertising campaigns, synchronisation opportunities for video/social media content, or the inclusion of music in playlists for events.

If you are a NSW artist/act or songwriter (or represent one), and you would like to be included in the Championing NSW Music database, please hit the link below.

Learn more. 

If you’re 18–25 and you’re into music, MyGigPass is made for you. See bands you already love and discover your next fave at live music venues across NSW. Sign up once and get weekly offers for free double passes, 2 for 1 tickets and special deals. From hip-hop and hyperpop to indie, electronic and hardcore, we’ve got you covered. Local and international artists, big names and fresh faces. All kinds of shows are up for grabs. 

Learn more here. 

Are you an amazing artist or band from the New England area looking to tour the region in 2026? 

Fill in an EOI form.

Arts North West On Tour (ANWOT) is a program hosted by Arts North West to create an agile, viable and efficient touring route of live theatre, performing arts, and musical performances.

Venues, individuals, and organisations within the Arts North West service area will also be able to access professional development opportunities, marketing support and combined venue support. 

No deadline given. 

Up to $2,500 per person for domestic activity and up to $5,000 per person for international touring and travel activity are available via this quick response funding program for NSW contemporary music artists, acts and music industry professionals.
Closes 12pm AEST on the last Friday of each month. 

Quick Response Grants are delivered monthly from February to November and all applications will be competitively assessed at the end of each month. Applicants will not be advised about their grant application until five days after the end of each month. Individuals can apply for up to $3000, organisations can apply for up to $5000. There is no minimum grant amount.

Opens on the first of each month and closes on last day of each month.

Cash funding up to $5,000 for individuals.

Cash funding up to $10,000 for organisations.

This grant program supports small scale, community-led projects that encourage communities to take action to improve, enhance, represent or celebrate their local neighbourhoods.

This program is open all year for applications until the budget is exhausted.

You should submit your application at least 8 weeks before you plan to start your grant activity or event.

Ongoing

Want to get your music out there but don’t know where to start? Join FBi Radio at their monthly Music Open Day to learn all the ins and outs of how music is programmed on the station. Music Open Day will happen from 3pm to 6pm on the first Monday of every month. You can also submit your music to FBi Radio any time.

Ongoing

Planning to tour Regional NSW?
Check out this interactive map of venues!

Just 15 kms from the Melbourne CBD, the City of Kingston boasts a vibrant cultural scene and is home to an engaged arts community. To further support the local creative sector, Kingston Arts is pleased to announce our new Performing Arts Development Program for the performing arts.

Whether you're an emerging artist itching to explore a new idea, or a seasoned professional ready to push creative boundaries, our program is designed to support your growth. With tailored assistance to help bring your vision to life, Kingston Arts is committed to fostering creativity and growth within our dynamic arts community.

Ongoing -

• Applications must be submitted by the 14th day of each month to be assessed during that month.
  
  Learn more.

Want to become a radio announcer? If you would like to volunteer as a PBS announcer, feel you'd be a musical fit, and have a great idea that fits our strategic direction, we encourage you to apply for the PBS announcer course.

Topics covered include:

• A background on PBS 106.7FM
• Introduction to radio/writing for radio
• Radio voice /presentation
• Interviewing/broadcast law
• Planning a program/technical skills
• Programming on PBS /using the studio
• Preparation for making a demo

Rolling class dates - see website for details

Up to $3,000 for individuals and $5,000 for organisations available. For small arts projects, professional development for artists and arts workers, and community capacity building projects. Rounds are open on the first of every month and close on the last day of every month from February to November.

Ongoing

Supporting residents facing financial hardship to participate in select sports, arts and educational activities. 
Open monthly, rounds closing the first day of each month. 
Ongoing. 

The Fund supports interstate and overseas opportunities that grow Queensland’s cultural economy, increase exposure, facilitate business and career growth, and expand markets and export revenue potential for Queensland-based musicians, performing artists and organisations. Applicants can apply for up to $80,000 towards eligible costs for showcasing or market attendance activities (applicants can apply for up to 50% of the total project costs directly associated with the interstate or overseas activity.) Applicants can apply for up to $2,000 towards eligible costs for bringing national and international presenters/promoters/reviewers to see Queensland performances.

Rolling fund - apply at any time

Arts Queensland is proud to partner with local government to support quality arts and cultural experiences across Queensland through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF). RADF promotes the role and value of arts, culture and heritage as key drivers of diverse and inclusive communities and strong regions. RADF invests in local arts and cultural priorities, as determined by local communities, across Queensland. RADF is delivered in partnership with 59 Queensland local councils.

Various closing dates, check with local council

Up to $3,000 for individuals and $5,000 for organisations available. For small arts projects, professional development for artists and arts workers, and community capacity building projects. Rounds are open on the first of every month and close on the last day of every month from February to November.

Ongoing

The Live Music Event Fund aims to elevate Adelaide’s recognition as a UNESCO City of Music through activating our live music events calendar; mitigate the financial barriers experienced by promoters in the first two years of staging a new live music event; attract unique music events to South Australia that generate economic benefit, provide local jobs for musicians and crews, and attract visitors from South Australia’s key domestic tourism markets; provide industry development opportunities or pathways that support the growth of the event into a unique offering for the state that is financially sustainable and not reliant on government funding for viability.

EOIs open

Regional artists to access professional arts development and training opportunities, or organisations/community groups with small project opportunities that arise at short notice. Individuals can apply for up to $3000 and organisations or community groups can apply for up to $5000.

Ongoing - Grant Rounds close on the last day of each month

Country Arts SA’s Skills Development Assistance Grants (up to $1,500) are available to support artists and arts workers to participate in professional development opportunities. The grants are fast-turnaround and are intended for those who wish to undertake a time sensitive Skills Development opportunity. These grants provide assistance with travel and accommodation costs associated with undertaking professional development opportunities such as workshops, conferences, seminars etc.

Ongoing

Country Arts SA’s Shows on the Road program supports a network of regional presenter groups to present high quality, professional performances in their community. It aims to increase access to the arts in smaller regional communities.

Ongoing

For regional artists, arts organisations and communities. Up to $3,000 for individuals and $5,000 for organisations is available.

Ongoing - closes the final day of each month.

The Contemporary Music Fund Grant Program assists homegrown contemporary music artists with projects that enable them to produce and promote their work, building links nationally and internationally. Grants for Under $15k.

Ongoing

• Supported remotely by Coordinators based in both our Darwin and Alice Springs offices.
• Given opportunities to gain valuable guidance at the Rangers Training camp, held annually.
• Given on the job training in community by coordinators and mentors who visit regularly.

Expressions of Interest are open.

The Arts and Culture Grants Program offers various grants for projects that explore, develop and profile arts and culture in the Northern Territory (NT). 

Ongoing

For regional artists, arts organisations and communities. Up to $3,000 for individuals and $5,000 for organisations is available.

Ongoing - closes the final day of each month.

Up to $10,000 per applicant is available to support this exciting new employment pathway through a three-month work placement. Grants are open to, artists and arts workers aged 18 to 25 years, seeking paid career development opportunities or arts and cultural organisations looking to host a three-month placements.

Ongoing

Have you recently released music? 

FreshmiNT is searching for the freshest new tracks from the NT! If you've got a new single that's ready to ignite the airwaves, we're all ears! Submit your new tunes below for consideration for the Fresh MiNT mail out plus weekly radio shows each Thursday evening on Gove FM, Territory FM, Katherine FM and 8CCC.

Ongoing

Researchers at ANU are conducting a study in partnership with MusicACT to examine live music in the Canberra region.

This research will deepen an understanding of how artists/musicians attend to their work in the live music industry, and how pay and wages for creative work and performance are accomplished and negotiated. We are on the hunt for professional musicians who would be willing to take part in a relaxed short one-on-one interview to discuss their practice, work and thoughts on the music industry conditions in Canberra.

All participants will be given a $20.00 gift card for their participation.

Ongoing

Requests can be from $500 to $5,000. Given high demand for limited funds, requests for $5,000 need to be thorough applications with significant benefits to the applicant.

Applications can be made at any time but must be submitted at least six weeks before the activity start date. Applicants can only receive funding in this category once each calendar year, except in exceptional circumstances. Applicants may also apply to the $5-50k category, for a different activity or another stage of the Up to $5k activity.

Ongoing

People working or engaged within the arts and screen sectors are encouraged to put forward an expression of interest. They are seeking a broad range of candidates in terms of artform area, age, cultural background and career stage from artists, practitioners, administrators and other sector professionals.

Ongoing

Quick Response Grants will fund professional development opportunities for artists and arts workers or small project opportunities. The program supports immediate need that arises where the activity is unable to be planned for or supported in other funding rounds, for example taking up professional development, skills development or small project opportunities at short notice.

You can apply for Quick Response Grants up to $3,000 for individuals

Applications open on the first of each month and close on the last day of that month.