Apply Now: International Professional and Artistic Development Fund (Category 2)

Deadline: 13-Oct-2026

The International Professional and Artistic Development Fund supports Australian contemporary music artists with international professional and artistic development opportunities. The fund is designed for emerging, breakthrough and established artists seeking to develop their careers, creative practices, international networks and professional opportunities. Support is available for a broad range of contemporary music practitioners, including solo artists, instrumentalists, bands, ensembles, electronic artists, producers, songwriters and composers. The International Professional and Artistic Development category provides matched funding of $3,000 to $15,000 for eligible international professional development activities. Applicants must provide evidence of matched funding equal to or greater than the amount requested from the fund. Purpose of the Fund The fund aims to help Australian contemporary music artists access international opportunities that can contribute to their professional and artistic development.

Supported activities can help artists:

- Build international professional networks. - Develop creative collaborations. - Access international markets. - Strengthen songwriting and composition practices. - Develop relationships with producers and industry professionals. - Gain international performance experience. - Participate in residencies and fellowships. - Explore new creative and professional opportunities. - Increase their international profile. The fund is intended to support activities that provide meaningful professional or artistic development rather than routine operating expenses. Who Can Benefit From the Fund? The program supports a wide range of Australian contemporary music practitioners.

Eligible artist types include:

- Solo artists. - Instrumentalists. - Bands. - Ensembles. - Electronic artists. - Producers. - Songwriters. - Composers. The fund supports emerging, breakthrough and established acts, allowing artists at different stages of their careers to seek international development opportunities. Who Can Apply? Applicants must be practising Australian contemporary music artists or groups, or eligible organisations and music businesses applying on behalf of their artists.

Applicants must also be:

- Australian citizens, or - Australian permanent residents. Organisations and music businesses can apply on behalf of the artists they represent where the programme requirements are met. International Professional Development Activities The International Professional and Artistic Development category supports a variety of international activities.

Examples include:

- Official showcase performances. - Co-writing sessions. - Songwriting camps. - Overseas recording expenses. - Engaging international producers. - International residencies. - Fellowships. - Attendance at international trade fairs. - Attendance at international conferences. - Confirmed business meetings for professional development opportunities. The proposed activity should demonstrate a clear connection to the applicant’s professional or artistic development. Official Showcase Performances International showcase performances can provide artists with opportunities to present their work to international music industry audiences. Applicants should clearly explain the professional value of the showcase, including how participation could contribute to international connections, performance opportunities or career development. Co-Writing and Songwriting Camps Funding can support international co-writing sessions and songwriting camps. These activities can provide opportunities for artists to work with international songwriters, composers and producers while developing new creative work and professional relationships. Overseas Recording Activities Eligible applicants can seek support for overseas recording expenses where the activity contributes to professional or artistic development. Applicants should explain why the international recording opportunity is important and how the experience or collaboration will contribute to their creative practice or career. International Producers The fund can support activities involving engagement with international producers. Working with international producers may help artists develop their sound, production practices and professional networks while creating opportunities for longer-term international collaboration. Residencies and Fellowships International residencies and fellowships are also among the supported professional development activities. These opportunities can allow artists to spend dedicated time developing their creative practice, collaborating with international practitioners and participating in professional networks. International Trade Fairs and Conferences Attendance at international trade fairs and conferences can be supported where the activity provides genuine professional development opportunities. Applicants should demonstrate how participation will contribute to their career development and international industry connections. Confirmed International Business Meetings The fund can support confirmed business meetings connected to professional development opportunities. Applicants should clearly establish the professional purpose of these meetings and explain how they contribute to the artist’s international development. Matched Funding Requirement The fund provides $3,000 to $15,000 in matched funding. Applicants must provide evidence of matched funding that is equal to or greater than the grant amount requested. For example, if an applicant requests $10,000 from the fund, they must demonstrate at least $10,000 in eligible matched funding. The matched funding requirement is an important part of the application and should be clearly documented. What Cannot Be Used as Matched Funding? Not every contribution can count toward the required match. The following cannot be used as matched funding: - In-kind contributions. - Other governme