Current Grants & Opportunities for Artists – Updated Regularly
At G.Y.R.O., we’re all about helping artists take their careers to the next level.
Whether you’re looking for funding, recognition, or performance opportunities, there are plenty of options available in the Australian and New Zealand music industries right now.
Check out the current grants and competitions below, and be sure to keep an eye on this post for regular updates!
Current Grants & Opportunities for Artists
Updated Regularly
NATIONAL
IAN POTTER CULTURAL TRUST - EMERGING ARTIST GRANTS
Supports talented emerging and early-career artists taking up professional development opportunities, usually overseas. Covers all art forms from traditional through to experimental.
💰 Up to $15,000
🗓 23 June 2026 at 5pm AEST | CLOSES: Tuesday 19 January 2027, 5PM AEDT
MUSIC AUSTRALIA EXPORT DEVELOPMENT FUND - INTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCE AND TOURING
Matched funding for international tours and performances by Australian contemporary music artists.
💰 $5,000-$75,000 (matched funding)
🗓 7 July 2026 at 3pm AEST | CLOSES: Tuesday 13 October 2026 3pm AEDT
MUSIC AUSTRALIA EXPORT DEVELOPMENT FUND - INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL AND ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT
Matched funding to support international collaborations, residencies, conferences, recording projects and professional development activities.
💰 $3,000–$15,000 (matched funding)
🗓 7 July 2026 at 3pm AEST | CLOSES: Tuesday 13 October 2026 3pm AEDT
MUSIC AUSTRALIA EXPORT DEVELOPMENT FUND – INTERNATIONAL MARKET AND AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT
Matched funding for international PR campaigns, content creation and digital marketing. Prioritises first-time applicants and First Nations artists.
💰 $2,000-$10,000 (matched funding)
🗓 7 July 2026 at 3pm AEST | CLOSES: Tuesday 13 October 2026 3pm AEDT
MUSIC AUSTRALIA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CONTRIBUTION (MAICC)
Up to $5,000 for attending significant international music conferences. Delivered through five industry body streams: AAM (managers), AIR (independent labels & distributors), ALMBC (agents/bookers/publicists), Australian Music Association (music products), and AMPAL (publishers).
💰 Up to $5,000
🗓 Monday 7th September, 2026 | close: Thursday 15th October, 2026 (5pm AEDT)
CREATIVE AUSTRALIA - CONTEMPORARY MUSIC TOURING PROGRAM
Supports national touring by Australian musicians performing original Australian contemporary music. Tours must include at least three venues or locations outside the performer's hometown, and regional and remote tours are prioritised.
💰 $5,000-$50,000 (up to $15,000 metro only, up to $25,000 with a regional date, up to $50,000 with three or more remote dates)
🗓 CLOSES: Tuesday 13 October 2026 at 3pm AEDT | Future rounds: Tuesday 2 March 2027, Tuesday 8 June 2027
CREATIVE AUSTRALIA - PLAYING AUSTRALIA PROJECT INVESTMENT
Supports performing arts tours that reach regional and remote communities across Australia.
💰 Amount varies (see guidelines)
🗓 CLOSES: 13 October 2026
CREATIVE AUSTRALIA - CREATIVE FUTURES FUND 2026-2027
Invests in ambitious new work across all art forms that tells Australian stories at scale. Open to organisations only, and co-investment is expected.
💰 Development: $150,000-$250,000 | Delivery: $250,000-$1,500,000
🗓 Stage 1 CLOSES: Tuesday 29 September 2026 (3pm AEST)
AMERICAN AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATION - INDIGENOUS SCHOLARSHIPS
For activity in the USA only
💰 Up to US$10,000
🗓 Saturday 1 August 2026 - Wednesday 30 September 2026
SOUNDMERCH - AUSTRALIAN MUSIC PRIZE
Now in its 22nd year, the Australian Music Prize (AMP) is widely recognised as the most prestigious award for Australian recording artists.
💰 $50,000
🗓 Closes 30 September 2026
PPCA PERFORMERS' TRUST FOUNDATION
Provides grants to promote and encourage music and the music-related performing arts. Grants cannot be used to cover wages or salaries.
💰 Individuals - up to $3,000 | Organisations - up to $5,000
🗓 Ongoing
SUPPORT ACT - CRISIS RELIEF GRANTS
Available to musicians, managers, crew and music workers facing financial hardship due to illness, injury, mental health, age or other crises affecting their ability to work. Approved grants cover bills or personal expenses through direct payments, not cash.
💰 Amount varies
🗓 Ongoing
LIVE NATION - NEXT ON
Program for developing Australian and New Zealand artists. Each month, one artist gets the keys to an iconic Live Nation venue - rent free. All costs covered, and every dollar from ticket and merch sales goes back to the artist.
💰 Venue hire + revenue (no cash grant)
🗓 Ongoing monthly
THE AUSTRALIAN CULTURAL FUND (ACF)
A fundraising platform for Australian artists. Artists upload their project, launch a campaign and invite supporters to donate - 100% of donations go directly to the artist.
💰 Fundraising platform (no fixed amount)
🗓 Ongoing
QUEENSLAND
ARTS QUEENSLAND - Queensland Arts Project Fund
💰 Up to AU$70,000 (general stream) or AU$20,000 (individuals) for projects up to one year, up to AU$150,000 for large-scale two-year projects with matched funding (at least 30% cash investment)
🗓 Monday 7 September 2026 | CLOSE: Monday 21 September 2026
ARTS QUEENSLAND - TOURING QUEENSLAND FUND
Supports regional Queensland communities' access to high quality arts and cultural events, including music gigs.
💰 Up to $100,000 for a single tour or a touring program of up to 12 months
🗓 CLOSES: Monday 12 October 2026
FLYING ARTS ALLIANCE - QUICK RESPONSE GRANTS
For Queensland-based artists and arts workers for professional development or small project opportunities arising at short notice.
💰 Individuals - up to $3,000 | Organisations - up to $5,000
🗓 Opens February | Closes November 2026 (monthly rounds)
BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL - CREATIVE SPARKS GRANTS PROGRAM
Supports Brisbane-based professional artists, arts and cultural workers, creative producers and not-for-profit community arts organisations to create and present new public creative works.
💰 Up to $15,000
🗓 Expected to open late September 2026 (TBC). Last year's round opened on 29 September 2025
BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL - LORD MAYOR'S CREATIVE FELLOWSHIPS
Supports professional development for emerging and early-career Brisbane-based creatives. You can't apply for this and Creative Sparks in the same round.
💰 Up to $10,000
🗓 Expected to open late September 2026 (TBC)
APPLY TO PLAY: BLUES ON BROADBEACH
For solo artists, duos or full bands to apply for the opportunity to perform at one of Australia's biggest festivals in front of thousands of passionate fans of rhythm and blues.
💰 Individuals
🗓 EOIs Close Jan 25th
NEW SOUTH WALES
SOUND NSW - TOURING AND TRAVEL FUND (INTERNATIONAL TOURING)
Designed to support established NSW artists and acts touring internationally.
💰 Up to $30,000 (matched funding)
🗓 31 July 2026 at 12pm | CLOSES: 30 April 2027, 12:00 pm
SOUND NSW - TOURING AND TRAVEL FUND (DOMESTIC TRAVEL AND INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT)
Supports travel costs for domestic tours, performances, music market events and professional development opportunities.
💰 Up to $5,000 (check the current guidelines)
🗓 CLOSES: 12:00pm 25 June 2027 (AEST)
SOUND NSW - RECORDING, CONTENT AND PROMOTION
Supports the creation and promotion of new, original contemporary music, plus professional development and equipment. Open to artists, acts and music businesses applying on behalf of an artist or act.
💰 Up to $30,000
🗓 CLOSES: 2:00pm 21 September 2026 (AEST)
SOUND NSW - INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT
Contemporary music development funding open to music businesses or organisations.
💰 Amount varies (see guidelines)
🗓 CLOSES: 2:00pm 21 September 2026 (AEST)
SOUND NSW - INFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT (VENUE UPGRADE GRANTS)
For live music venues to improve their facilities, equipment and live music capabilities.
💰 Amount varies (see guidelines)
🗓 CLOSES: 2:00pm 28 September 2026 (AEST)
SOUND NSW - ALL-AGES LIVE MUSIC PROGRAMMING
Funding for all-ages live music programming in NSW.
💰 Amount varies (see guidelines)
🗓 OPENS: 12:00pm 28 September 2026 (AEST) | CLOSES: 2:00pm 9 November 2026 (AEDT)
SOUND NSW - CONTEMPORARY MUSIC FESTIVALS
Funding for contemporary music festivals in NSW.
💰 Amount varies (see guidelines)
🗓 OPENS: 12:00pm 28 September 2026 (AEST) | CLOSES: 2:00pm 9 November 2026 (AEDT)
SOUND NSW - GENERATIONS WESTERN SYDNEY MUSIC FELLOWSHIP
Delivered with Powerhouse Museum and Blacktown Arts to develop early-career contemporary musicians and bands from Western Sydney.
💰 Fellowship (see guidelines)
🗓 OPENS: 12:00pm 19 October 2026 (AEDT) | CLOSES: 2:00pm 16 November 2026 (AEDT)
VICTORIA
KINGSTON ARTS - PERFORMING ARTS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Tailored support for emerging and established performing artists in the City of Kingston, 15km from the Melbourne CBD.
💰 Up to $5,000
🗓 Ongoing. Submit by the 14th of each month to be assessed that month
REGIONAL ARTS VICTORIA - QUICK RESPONSE GRANTS
For regional Victorian artists and arts workers, for unplanned professional development or small project opportunities at short notice.
💰 Individuals up to $3,000 | Organisations up to $5,000
🗓 Monthly rounds, February to November
CITY OF MOONEE VALLEY - RESPONSIVE GRANT
Supports residents facing financial hardship to participate in select arts, sports and educational activities.
💰 Up to $500
🗓 Monthly rounds closing the first day of each month
PBS 106.7FM - ANNOUNCER COURSE
Training for aspiring community radio announcers, covering writing for radio, presentation, interviewing, broadcast law, programming and demo preparation.
💰 Volunteer program
🗓 Rolling class dates
Keep an eye on Music Victoria's grants page for the next Music Works round.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
MUSIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE - LIVE MUSIC EVENTS FUND
Supports promoters staging new live music events in South Australia, particularly in the first two years when financial barriers are highest. Aims to elevate Adelaide's standing as a UNESCO City of Music, generate local jobs for musicians and crew, and attract visitors.
💰 Varies
🗓 EOIs open
MUSIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE - PROJECT SUPPORT GRANTS
For South Australian recording artists, songwriters, producers and artist managers. Supports the creation and release of new original music and content.
💰 Up to $15,000
🗓 Next round expected October 2026 for 2027 activity
SOUNDS AUSTRALIA / MDO - EXPORT CONTRIBUTION FUND
For South Australian acts officially selected for events where Sounds Australia produces showcases, and for SA managers attending those events.
💰 Artists $3,000 | Managers $1,000
🗓 Ongoing. Email info@soundsaustralia.com.au once you are officially selected
COUNTRY ARTS SA - QUICK RESPONSE GRANTS
For regional SA artists accessing professional development and training, and community groups with small project opportunities that arise at short notice.
💰 Individuals up to $3,000 | Organisations up to $5,000
🗓 Rounds close the last day of each month
COUNTRY ARTS SA - SKILLS DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE GRANTS
Fast-turnaround support for travel and accommodation costs tied to time-sensitive professional development, such as workshops, conferences and seminars.
💰 Up to $1,500
🗓 Ongoing
COUNTRY ARTS SA - SHOWS ON THE ROAD
Supports a network of regional presenter groups to bring professional performances to smaller regional communities.
💰 Varies
🗓 Ongoing
MusicSA's opportunities page is the go-to for anything else SA-specific.
MUSIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE (MDO) - PROJECT SUPPORT GRANTS
For South Australian recording artists, songwriters, producers and artist managers. Supports creation and/or release of new original music composition or content.
💰 Up to $15,000
🗓 Dates TBA (October 2026 round for 2027 activity)
SOUNDS AUSTRALIA / MDO - EXPORT CONTRIBUTION FUND
For South Australian acts officially selected for events where Sounds Australia is producing showcases, and for SA managers attending those events.
💰 Artists - $3,000 | Managers - $1,000
🗓 Ongoing - email info@soundsaustralia.com.au if selected
🔗 Find out more here and here
COUNTRY ARTS SA - PROJECT GRANTS
Supports arts and cultural activities in regional South Australia. Develops partnerships, cultural networks and skills development opportunities.
💰 Up to $30,000
🗓 Opens July 2026
COUNTRY ARTS SA - QUICK RESPONSE GRANTS
For regional South Australian artists to access professional development and training at short notice.
💰 Individuals - up to $3,000 | Organisations - up to $5,000
🗓 Ongoing monthly (closes last day of each month)
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
DEPARTMENT OF CREATIVE INDUSTRIES, TOURISM AND SPORT - CONTEMPORARY MUSIC FUND GRANT PROGRAM
Assists WA contemporary music artists with projects that help them produce and promote their work and build links nationally and internationally.
💰 Under $15,000
🗓 Ongoing
DEPARTMENT OF CREATIVE INDUSTRIES WA - CONTEMPORARY MUSIC FUND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Supports career-changing opportunities for individuals, bands and music industry professionals.
💰 Up to $20,000
🗓 4 June 2026 | CLOSES: 4:00pm 3 December 2026
REGIONAL ARTS WA - QUICK RESPONSE GRANTS
For regional WA artists, arts organisations and communities, for professional development or small project opportunities at short notice.
💰 Individuals up to $3,000 | Organisations up to $5,000
🗓 Ongoing. Closes the final day of each month
TASMANIA
REGIONAL ARTS TASMANIA (RANT ARTS) - QUICK RESPONSE GRANTS
Funds professional development and small project opportunities that arise where the activity cannot be planned for or supported through other rounds.
💰 Up to $3,000 for individuals
🗓 Opens the 1st and closes the last day of each month
ARTS TASMANIA - CULTURAL AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES EXPERT REGISTER
EOIs from artists, practitioners, administrators and sector professionals to serve as peer assessors. A genuinely useful way to understand how grant decisions are actually made.
💰 Assessor fees apply
🗓 Ongoing
YARN WRITE
A new program for First Nations young people aged 16 to 21 in nipaluna, connecting culture, Country and creativity through music. Eight participants will write, record and release an original album alongside a team of producers and musicians.
💰 Free program
🗓 EOIs open now
Check Music Tasmania for the next Arts Tasmania Individuals and Groups round.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
MUSICNT - TRADE MISSIONS PROGRAM
Supports NT music industry professionals to attend major national and international music conferences and events aligned with their career goals.
💰 Up to $5,000
🗓 Ongoing
MUSICNT - REMOTE MUSIC RANGERS PROGRAM
On-the-job training and mentoring in community, supported remotely by coordinators in Darwin and Alice Springs, plus an annual Rangers training camp.
💰 Program
🗓 EOIs open
NT GOVERNMENT - ARTS AND CULTURE GRANTS PROGRAM
A range of grants for projects that explore, develop and profile arts and culture in the Northern Territory.
💰 Varies
🗓 Ongoing
NT - CAREER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG ARTISTS AND ARTS WORKERS
Supports three-month paid work placements for artists and arts workers aged 18 to 25, and for arts and cultural organisations looking to host a placement.
💰 Up to $10,000
🗓 Ongoing
REGIONAL ARTS NT - QUICK RESPONSE GRANTS
For regional NT artists, arts organisations and communities.
💰 Individuals up to $3,000 | Organisations up to $5,000
🗓 Ongoing. Closes the final day of each month
MUSICNT - FRESHMINT
Submit new singles for consideration for the FreshmiNT mailout and weekly radio shows on Gove FM, Territory FM, Katherine FM and 8CCC.
💰 Free
🗓 Ongoing
ACT
ARTSACT - ARTS ACTIVITIES FUNDING (UP TO $5,000)
For ACT-based artists and arts organisations running small-scale activities. Apply at least six weeks before your start date. One grant per applicant per calendar year in this category, though you can also apply to the larger category for a different activity or a later stage of the same one.
💰 $500 - $5,000
🗓 Ongoing
OTHER
REGIONAL ARTS NSW - QUICK RESPONSE GRANTS (NSW REGIONAL)
Quick Response Grants available monthly from February to November for NSW regional artists. Applications assessed at end of each month; decisions announced five days after.
💰 Individuals - up to $3,000 | Organisations - up to $5,000
🗓 Ongoing monthly
SUPPORT ACT - ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
A course for both First Nations peoples and non-Indigenous people working with First Nations peoples to equip them with skills to provide mental health first aid in a culturally safe and informed way.
💰 Individuals - up to $330
🗓 Ongoing until end of course
SUPPORT ACT - YARNING STRONG PROGRAM
Series of online and in-person panel discussions that explore mental health and well-being of First Nations People in the Music Industry.
💰 Individuals - FREE
🗓 Ongoing
AWESOME BLACK FOUNDATION RISING VOICES FUND
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, to support the creation of publishable works across music and literature.
💰 Individuals - Up to $60,000
🗓 Ongoing
NSW/VIC/QLD - VOLUNTEER WITH BLAK LABEL MUSIC/ONGOING
For First Nation creatives wanting to gain experience in the Music Industry, developing skills in Show and event booking/promotion, artist development, public relations, marketing and industry engagement and artist management
💰 Individuals - Free learning opportunity
🗓 Ongoing
ABORIGINAL CULTURAL SHOWCASE - TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL
For Aboriginal musicians, performer and stall holders interested in joining the Aboriginal Cultural Showcase at Tamworth Country Music Festival.
💰 Individuals
🗓 EOIs Close Sept 25
CREATIVE AUSTRALIA - FIRST NATIONS ARTS D/DEAF AND/OR DISABILITIES PROJECT FUND
Grants for projects and professional development opportunities across all art forms, nationally and internationally.
💰 $5,000 to $10,000
🗓 CLOSES: 13 October 2026
SOUND NSW - FIRST NATIONS CREATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Dedicated First Nations stream of Sound NSW's Contemporary Music Development Grants for artists.
💰 Amount varies (see guidelines)
🗓 CLOSES: 2:00pm 21 September 2026 (AEST)
SOUND NSW - FIRST NATIONS INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT
Dedicated First Nations stream of Sound NSW's Contemporary Music Development Grants for industry.
💰 Amount varies (see guidelines)
🗓 CLOSES: 2:00pm 21 September 2026 (AEST)
YAMAHA MAIN STAGE
For emerging artists willing to compete for a range of high end, Yamaha gear
💰 Prizes: 1 band will receive a $5,000 cash grant plus Yamaha gear valued at $5,000 RRP | 1x Artist/Songwriter will receive a $5,000 cash grant plus Yamaha gear valued at $5,000 RRP | 1 x Music & Studio Production winner will receive a $5,000 cash grant plus Yamaha gear valued at $5,000 RRP
🗓 EOIs Close Sept 30th: Oct 6th
This list will be regularly updated with new grants, awards, and opportunities as they arise, so bookmark this page and check back often. If you know of an opportunity we haven’t listed, feel free to reach out to us!
Stay tuned for more updates, and keep getting your record out there! 🎶
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