Music Australia Export Development Fund: International Performance and Touring Activity (Category 1)

Deadline: 13-Oct-2026

The Music Australia Export Development Fund provides matched funding to Australian contemporary music artists undertaking international touring and performance activities. The initiative is a collaboration between the Australian Government and the music industry and aims to strengthen the international presence of Australian contemporary music. It supports emerging, breakthrough, and established artists seeking to expand their international audiences, develop overseas markets, and build their global careers. Funding of $5,000 to $75,000 is available for eligible international touring and performance activities, subject to the required matched-funding contribution. Purpose of the Music Australia Export Development Fund The fund is designed to help Australian contemporary music artists develop their international careers through targeted financial support.

The program aims to:

- Strengthen the international presence of Australian contemporary music. - Help artists reach new global audiences. - Develop international markets. - Increase artists’ international profiles. - Support emerging, breakthrough, and established acts. - Enable Australian artists to undertake international touring and performances. - Build sustainable international career opportunities. What International Activities Can Be Supported? The fund specifically supports international touring and performance opportunities.

Eligible activities include:

- International tours. - Festival appearances. - Biennale appearances. - Commissioned performances. - Official showcase performances. The proposed activity should have a clear international purpose and demonstrate how it will contribute to audience development, market development, artist visibility, or international career growth. International Tours International tours can provide Australian artists with opportunities to perform for new audiences and develop professional relationships in overseas markets. Applicants should clearly explain the proposed tour, its international relevance, the participating artists and creative workers, and the expected professional and audience-development outcomes. Festival and Biennale Appearances The fund can support eligible appearances at international festivals and Biennales. Applicants should demonstrate how the opportunity contributes to the artist’s international profile and provides meaningful access to overseas audiences or professional networks. Commissioned Performances Commissioned performances are also eligible activities. A proposal should explain the nature of the commission, the international context, the artist’s role, and how the performance contributes to their international development. Official Showcase Performances Official showcase performances can also receive support. These activities may provide opportunities for artists to present their work to international audiences and industry professionals. Applicants should clearly explain the significance of the showcase and its expected contribution to international market development. Requirements for Eligible Activities

Eligible activities must be:

- New. - Original. - Relevant to contemporary Australia. Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their proposed work meets these requirements. The project should also have a meaningful connection to the contemporary Australian music sector and demonstrate why international support is appropriate. Accessibility and Audience Inclusion Applicants are encouraged to make their work accessible to a wide range of audiences.

Accessibility measures can include:

- Auslan. - Translation. - Captioning. - Other appropriate access measures. Applicants should consider accessibility from the planning stage and include relevant eligible costs in their budgets where required. Matched Funding Available Matched funding of $5,000 to $75,000 is available. Applicants must demonstrate evidence of matched financial contributions that are equal to or greater than the grant request. For example, an applicant requesting $25,000 should demonstrate at least $25,000 in eligible matched financial contributions. What Cannot Be Used as Matched Funding? The required matched contribution cannot include: - In-kind contributions. - Other government grants. Applicants should therefore identify eligible financial sources and provide appropriate evidence of their contribution. Eligible Project Costs The fund can support a broad range of costs associated with eligible international touring and performance activities.

Eligible costs include:

- Artist fees. - Creative worker fees. - Management costs. - Travel. - Accommodation. - Per diems. - Insurance. - Visa costs. - Freight. - Childcare. - Access costs. - Expenses associated with reducing environmental impact. Management Costs Management costs can be included up to 10% of the total project budget. Applicants should ensure that management expenditure remains within this limit and is directly connected to the proposed international activity. Travel and Accommodation International travel and accommodation expenses can be included where they are directly associated with eligible touring or performance activities. Applicants should provide a realistic estimate of these costs and ensure that they are appropriately reflected in the overall project budget. Per Diems Per diems associated with eligible international activities can also be included. These should be appropriately budgeted according to the scale and duration of the proposed activity. Insurance and Visa Costs Insurance and visa costs required for international touring and performances are eligible project expenses. These costs should be clearly identified in the budget. Freight Costs Freight can be included where it is required for the proposed international activity, such as transporting relevant equipment or materials. Applicants should clearly connect freight expenses to the proposed touring or performance activity. Childcare and Access Costs C