Funding, opportunities & grants

Nominations are open for the AAM Awards.
This year will see six awards presented, including Manager of the Year, Breakthrough Manager of the Year, Community Engagement Award, Legacy Award, and the Patrons Gift, as curated by AAM Patrons. A new award will also be handed out, with the Emerging Manager of the Year Award being distributed for the first time.

Applications close 3 March at 11:59pm AEDT.
Awards to take place 30 April 2025 in Naarm/ Melbourne.
Learn more here.

Contemporary Music Touring Program

This program provides up to $50,000 to support national tours by musicians performing original 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.

Closes Tuesday 4 March 2025 at 3pm AEDT

Up to $50,000 for a range of activities and projects, both national and international, across all art forms.

The Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups program funds a range of activities that deliver benefits to the arts sector and wider public, including national and international audiences and communities.

Grants are available from $10,000 to $50,000. Supported activities must not last longer than two years from the proposed start date.

Closes Tuesday 4 March 2025 at 3pm AEDT

Each month, from March to November, we have set aside five days (Sunday afternoon through to Friday morning) to dedicate Jacky Winter Gardens to our artist-in-residence program.
We donate the entire private use of the whole property to accommodate a working artist — who can use the time to start, sustain or finish a commercial project. Nine residencies are given out every year to professional artists of all disciplines. Applications are free, and are taken four times per year.

Jacky Winter is fueled by a constant commitment to the careful balance of art and commerce. The Jacky Winter Gardens artist-in-residence program offers time and space for the creation or development of new commercial work, or continuation of an existing project.

This is an entirely self-directed residency, with the only acquittal requirement being a broad one-page statement upon the completion of the residency — so we can hear about what you worked on, and share it with those who might wish to follow in your footsteps! We also ask you acknowledge Jacky Winter Gardens as a part of any completed projects worked on during your time here.

Residents are required to pay for their own food and transport during their stay, but there are no other fees associated with the residency.

Application deadline for March & April residencies is 6 March.

Applications for June – November close 4 April.

Nominations are now open for the 2025 AIR Awards

This year’s edition includes the Independent Mix, Studio or Mastering Engineer of the Year. This award will recognise the efforts of an Australian-based mix, studio or mastering engineer who worked on a member single, EP or Album released during the eligibility period (1st January 2024 to 31st December 2024).

Nominations for all categories in the 2025 AIR Awards are now open to all members and will close at midnight on Monday the 10th March 2025. AIR members will be emailed the link to nominate their eligible releases.

Awards nominations close 10 March.

Awards take place 31 July at the Adelaide Town Hall.

Supporting performing arts tours to reach regional and remote communities across Australia.

Playing Australia Project Investment supports organisations to undertake performing arts tours to reach regional and remote communities across Australia.

The program supports costs associated with touring to regional and remote areas of Australia. There is no limit on the amount that can be requested. Touring activity must be confirmed prior to seeking investment through this category.

Closes Tuesday 4 March 2025, 3pm AEDT

Showcasing at SXSW Sydney means playing in one of Sydney’s central live music venues for industry reps, media members, and thousands of fans and fellow musicians from all over the world.

Applications close 6 April.

Needle in the Hay is an annual competition and event run by Happy Mag which champions and empowers emerging Australian and New Zealand bands and musicians at a time they need it most in their careers.

With a prize pool of over $50,000 including vinyl pressing, high quality recording gear, and plug-in packages, the competition has been carefully curated to give artists the shot in the arm their projects need.

THE GRAND PRIZE POOL

250 x Your Single Pressed to 7″ vinyl by Zenith Records

RUNNER UP PRIZES

Over $50,000 in prizes to be announced!

FINALISTS

All finalists will have their submissions listened to by Needle In The Hay’s judging panel, composed of nine industry figureheads
All finalists have the chance to play the Needle In The Hay Finalists’ Party in November 2025

No deadline given.

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

Carriage Studio is offering 3-day artist residencies to artists & producers based in (or visiting) Naarm/Melbourne. The studio is designed for production, mixing, mastering and overdub recording and is equipped with audio interfaces, microphones, preamps, compressors, MIDI instruments, weighted piano, guitars, extremely high quality monitoring, stream decks; all you need to bring is your laptop.

Rolling deadline - monthly residencies

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 event includes activities to connect, celebrate and engage, including speed-connecting, live performances, panel discussions and networking.

This vibrant hybrid Women’s Week event celebrates the talents, resilience, and voices of culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD), culturally and racially marginalised (CaRM), migrant, and refugee women and gender-diverse folk across the arts, screen, and creative sectors.

Takes place 6 March, 9:30am - 6:30pm at ACE Parramatta

OUR SPACE, YOUR VISION. MACHINE HALL IS WAIVING VENUE HIRE FOR GRASSROOTS CREATIVES.
Machine Hall’s M.PWR Series, is here to allow grassroots creatives to showcase their vision in our space. Whether you’re a musician, a band, a performer, an art collective, an aerial acrobat, a chef, a dance group, an event producer, a fashionista, or have a passion project you’d like to showcase, we’d love to hear about it and see how we can make it happen.

At Machine Hall, we live and breathe art, creativity, and the vibrant culture they inspire. Our mission is to uplift and empower the next generation of visionaries by creating opportunities for them to showcase their talents and tell their stories. That is why we have waived venue hire. We understand that for grassroots creatives, stepping into the spotlight can often feel out of reach. That’s why we’re here—to provide a platform where their ideas and craft can be showcased within our walls.

Applications close 10 March.

This funding program is designed for artists and acts with an existing body of work in contemporary music. It offers grants to support career sustainability through creation, recording and promotion of new and original contemporary music. Up to $30,000.

Closes 10 March, 2pm AEDT.

This grant of up to $150,000 supports industry-led programs and resources that build the capacity of artists, industry professionals and music businesses, address best practice and emerging trends, promote music in NSW and deliver research and advocacy.

Closes 10 March 2025, 2:00 pm AEDT

To apply for Connectivity funding, applicants must:

• be a small to medium not-for-profit arts and cultural organisation located in NSW for the last 12 months.
• have an annual turn-over in the most recent financial year greater than $30,000.

Additional Considerations:

• The small to medium arts and cultural organisation must apply as the lead partner in the collaboration.
• Recipients of 2024/25 Annual Program Funding, Project Funding and Multi-Year Funding are eligible to apply.
• Arts and cultural focused Local Government Authority (LGA) business units are eligible
• Organisations may be incorporated or unincorporated associations. Note: Unincorporated associations will have to provide additional information, if successful (see the successful applications section).

Application closes: 17 March 2025, 5:00 pm

Up to $500,000 to support existing large-scale contemporary music festivals presented in NSW with a track record of delivering significant outcomes for contemporary music.
Closes 30 April 2025.

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 28 November 2025.

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

Expressions of interest are now open to NSW music businesses for the Green Action Program. Participants will undertake a range of hands-on learning modules and workshops including: ⁠- First Nations First - why platforming First Nations voices matters to sustainability ; Policy and procedure development - how to embed climate action into organisational structures ; Regulatory environment - review of recent legislative changes including plastic bans and emission reduction targets⁠; Measuring impact - capturing and using data to set goals and identify and meet sustainability objectives⁠; Energy 101 - A walk-through onsite energy audit at a live music venue⁠; Climate leadership - gaining skills to lead operational change and achieve stakeholder approval⁠.
No deadline given.

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

The series will cover topics ranging from digital marketing, audience development, release strategy and finance. It will also feature two deep-dive conversations into the future of Victorian festivals and the use of AI in music.

Fundamentals of Digital Marketing Tue 25 Mar
A New Era – AI’s Place in Music Creation - Tue 22 Apr

Learn more.

A new financial program offering:
- Grants of up to $1000
- Free consultations with financial and business experts
- 90% off Xero subscriptions

Closes 3 March. Learn more.

The Rotary Melbourne Music Scholarship offers musicians of all ages:

• Over $10,000 in Financial Aid
• 1:1 Mentorship with Industry Pros
• Exclusive Networking Opportunities
• Access to Career-Boosting Resources

If you know someone whose passion and commitment for music is undeniable, but could use a helping hand, encourage them to learn more about this exciting Rotary Music Scholarship opportunity here:

🔗 More info

🔗 Apply here

🗓️ Applications open: 1 February
🗓️ Applications close: 30 May

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.

“Songs from the Reef” is a community songwriting program for emerging songwriters living alongside Queensland's magnificent reef (Townsville to Mackay). 20 emerging songwriters will have the opportunity to develop skills, receive mentorship, and write up to 200 songs in a 10-week online songwriting program with I Heart Songwriting Club starting in April. The program will culminate at QMF’s QLD Music Trail – The Reef, where the songwriters will be invited to share a song at The Trail’s Reef Sundowner fireside jam in Proserpine on June 12, 2025. "Songs from the Reef" is produced, developed and presented by I Heart Songwriting Club and supported by QMF and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

Participation is via an expression of interest form, open from Feb 4 to March 3, 2025.

Submit EOI here.

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

Project and Development Grants for Individuals

Grants up to $10,000

• Development and/or presentation of new or existing work
• Projects which enable participation in the arts for children and young people

Age limit for applicants

• Up to 26 years
• First Nations applicants up to 30 years

• Applications close 11:59pm (ACST) Sunday, 6 April 2025
• Notification of outcome May 2025
• Projects to commence after 1 July 2025

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

WAM encourages all West Australian songwriters to nomine their songs written between 19 March 2024 and 3 February 2025 for the Song of the Year competition. Entries close at 9am, Tuesday 4 March 2025 and winners will be announced at the awards night in June.

Learn more.

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

Arts Activities Funding provides support for Canberra artists, groups and organisations to undertake arts activities including creating new work, professional or skills development, mentoring, residencies, and community arts and cultural development and engagement.
Applications for the 2025 $5-50K Arts Activities Round 1 funding close 28 February 2025 at 5pm.

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.

The Aboriginal Arts Program supports Tasmanian Aboriginal people to share their culture, stories and heritage through traditional and non-traditional arts and cultural activities.

As the applicant, you must be:

• a Tasmanian Aboriginal artist who has lived in Tasmania for six of the last 12 months
• a group with at least one Tasmanian Aboriginal member who has lived in Tasmania for six of the last 12 months
• an Aboriginal-led organisation based in Tasmania
• an organisation working on an arts activity with Tasmanian Aboriginal artists.
  
  Closes: 17 March 2025

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.

EOIs are open to join Creative Australia's First Nations-led board. First Nations artists and arts workers are encouraged to apply.

The Minister will appoint the nominated First Nations-led Board members later this year (subject to legislation passing).
No deadline given.
Learn more here.

This grant (<$30,000) is for First Nations NSW artists and acts with an existing body of work in contemporary music to support creation, recording and promotion of new and original contemporary music, professional development and the purchase of equipment.

Applications close 10 March 2025, 2:00 pm AEDT

Up to $150,000 to support First Nations-led organisations to deliver programs and resources that build the capacity of artists, industry professionals, address best practice and emerging trends, promote First Nations music in NSW and deliver research and advocacy.

Applications close 10 March 2025, 2:00 pm AEDT