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
CREATIVE AUSTRALIA - ARTS PROJECTS FOR INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS
Funding for a broad range of national and international activity across all arts practices: creative development, new work, recording, touring, collaborations, marketing and market development. Activity must not exceed two years.
💰 $10,000 - $50,000
🗓 Closes 1 September 2026 at 3pm AEST (you must be registered in the application system before 10am AEST on 31 August)
CREATIVE AUSTRALIA - RED OCHRE AWARD FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Nominations for senior First Nations artists and cultural workers with 30 or more years of continued practice. Two categories: Artistic Excellence, and Cultural Advocacy and Leadership. Nominations accepted from individuals and organisations.
💰 $60,000 (two awards per category)
🗓 Closes 15 September 2026 at 3pm AEST
CREATIVE AUSTRALIA - FIRST NATIONS ESTABLISHED ARTIST OF THE YEAR AWARD
Recognises one First Nations artist with 20 or more years of continued artistic practice, across music and all other art forms.
💰 $25,000
🗓 Closes 15 September 2026 at 3pm AEST
CREATIVE AUSTRALIA - YOUTH AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN THE ARTS
For one Australian First Nations artist or arts worker aged 18 to 35.
💰 $25,000
🗓 Closes 15 September 2026 at 3pm AEST
CREATIVE AUSTRALIA - FIRST NATIONS ARTS AND CULTURE BUSINESS INNOVATION AWARD
Self-nominations only, open to First Nations owned and led small to medium arts and cultural businesses and community organisations.
💰 $25,000
🗓 Closes 15 September 2026 at 3pm AEST
SOUNDMERCH - AUSTRALIAN MUSIC PRIZE
Now in its 22nd year, the AMP is widely recognised as the most prestigious award for Australian recording artists.
💰 $50,000
🗓 Closes 30 September 2026
AMERICAN AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATION - INDIGENOUS SCHOLARSHIPS
For activity in the USA only.
💰 Up to US$10,000
🗓 Open now, closes 30 September 2026
BANFF CENTRE - SOUNDWEAVINGS 2027 INTERCULTURAL MUSIC RESIDENCY
A three-week residency in Canada for musicians and ensembles from diverse cultural and artistic practices. Includes faculty-led workshops, 24-hour studio access, limited demo recording sessions and public performance recordings.
💰 Residency (fees and funding detailed in guidelines)
🗓 Closes 30 September 2026
TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL - TOYOTA FANZONE STAGE
Performer applications for the 2027 festival.
💰 Performance opportunity
🗓 Closes 2 September 2026 at 11:59pm
CITY OF SYDNEY - SOUNDTRACK SYDNEY NEW YEAR'S EVE 2027
EOIs from experienced composers to write the original midnight soundtrack for Sydney NYE, broadcast to a global audience of more than 425 million.
💰 Commission
🗓 EOIs close 7 September 2026 at 5pm AEST
BLACKBIRD FOUNDATION - BELIEVERS GRANTS
A rolling fund backing early-stage and scaling projects that create conditions for young people's creativity. Open to individuals, groups and organisations in Australia and New Zealand, for projects completed within 12 months.
💰 $5,000 - $25,000
🗓 Rolling. Closes when funds are exhausted or 30 June 2027, whichever comes first
AWESOME BLACK FOUNDATION - VOICES RISING FUND
Supports the creation of publishable works across literature and music of all genres by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creators.
💰 Up to $60,000 distributed annually across selected projects
🗓 No closing date
MUSIC AUSTRALIA EXPORT DEVELOPMENT FUND
Three categories of matched funding for international activity: International Performance and Touring ($5,000 to $75,000), International Professional and Artistic Development ($3,000 to $15,000) and International Market and Audience Development ($2,000 to $10,000). Runs roughly four rounds a year. The most recent round has closed; the next covers activity starting from 1 January 2027.
💰 $2,000 - $75,000 (matched funding)
🗓 Next round dates TBA
🔗 Performance and touring | Professional development | Market and audience
MUSIC AUSTRALIA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CONTRIBUTION (MAICC)
Support for attending significant international music conferences, delivered through five industry body streams: AAM (managers), AIR (independent labels and distributors), ALMBC (agents, bookers and publicists), Australian Music Association (music products) and AMPAL (publishers).
💰 Up to $5,000
🗓 Next round dates TBA
PPCA PERFORMERS' TRUST FOUNDATION
Grants to promote and encourage music and music-related performing arts. Cannot be used for wages or salaries.
💰 Individuals up to $3,000 | Organisations up to $5,000
🗓 Ongoing
SUPPORT ACT - CRISIS RELIEF GRANTS
For 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 and personal expenses through direct payments rather than cash.
💰 Varies
🗓 Ongoing
Support Act's Wellbeing Helpline is open 24/7, 365 days a year on 1800 959 500.
UNIFIED - GROUND FLOOR
Six months of hands-on support, mentorship and release guidance through the UNIFIED ecosystem. Open to independent Australian artists and bands with three original songs or demos and a release planned in the next 12 months. All members 16 and over.
💰 Program (no cash grant)
🗓 Ongoing. Apply at least four months before your release
LIVE NATION - NEXT ON
Each month, one developing Australian or New Zealand 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 plus revenue (no cash grant)
🗓 Ongoing monthly
CARRIAGE STUDIO - ARTIST RESIDENCY (MELBOURNE)
Three-day residencies for artists and producers in or visiting Melbourne. Fully equipped for production, mixing, mastering and overdub recording. Bring your laptop.
💰 Free
🗓 Ongoing
THE AUSTRALIAN CULTURAL FUND
A fundraising platform for Australian artists. Upload your project, launch a campaign and invite supporters to donate. 100% of donations go directly to the artist.
💰 Fundraising platform
🗓 Ongoing
CREATIVE AUSTRALIA - FUNDRAISING COACHING AND ADVICE
One-on-one coaching to build your fundraising capability and approach philanthropists, trusts, foundations and business partners.
💰 Free coaching
🗓 Ongoing
Submission and showcase opportunities
- rage - submit original music videos. Ongoing.
- GLOW Radio - 24/7 ad-free station playing 100% Australian and New Zealand music, with a focus on female and gender diverse artists. Ongoing.
- Sofar Sounds - play unique venues across 400+ cities worldwide. Ongoing.
- Reeperbahn Festival - artist submissions for the Hamburg showcase festival.
- Unsigned Only Music Competition - US$20,000 grand prize plus category prizes. US$35 per song.
Conferences, summits and industry events
REGIONAL & REMOTE MUSIC SUMMIT 2026 - BERRIN / MOUNT GAMBIER
Presented by MusicSA, the RRMS is back for its third year, bringing together artists, industry professionals, community leaders and policymakers for a national conversation about the future of music in regional communities. Two days of panels, presentations and live showcases that put regional and remote voices front and centre. Supported by Music Australia and the SA Music Development Office, with Country Arts SA and Support Act as program partners.
💰 Registration (see site for pricing)
🗓 28 - 30 October 2026. Registration open now
🔗 Find out more and register here
MUSICSA - RRMS 2026 TRAVEL BURSARY (SOUTH AUSTRALIA)
Subsidies to help South Australian regional and remote music workers actually get to the Summit. Open to artists, managers, bookers, venue and festival operators, music educators and other industry workers based outside metro Adelaide. Metro applicants may be eligible with documented, ongoing regional engagement. Bursaries are calibrated by distance from Mount Gambier:
- Zone 1, Near Regional (Naracoorte, Penola, Kingston SE, Millicent, Robe): $1,000
- Zone 2, Mid Regional (Riverland and mid-north: Renmark, Berri, Loxton, Waikerie, Port Wakefield): $1,500
- Zone 3, Remote and Far Regional (Port Lincoln, Ceduna, Whyalla, Port Augusta, Coober Pedy, Roxby Downs, APY Lands): $2,500
At least 25% of the bursary pool is reserved for First Nations applicants. Recipients must attend the full Summit program and the SA Music Industry Round Table on Wednesday 28 October. A subsidised return bus from Adelaide is available to successful applicants, departing 27 October and returning 31 October.
💰 $1,000 - $2,500 by zone
🗓 EOIs open now on a rolling basis. No fixed deadline: applications close once the funding pool is fully allocated, so apply early
APRA AMCOS - SONGMAKERS ACADEMY 2026
A three-day songwriting intensive running in NSW and VIC.
🗓 Closes 30 August 2026
QUEENSLAND
ARTS QUEENSLAND - QUEENSLAND ARTS PROJECT FUND (ROUND 3)
One-off grants for Queensland-based new creative work across contemporary and classical music and all other art forms. Covers creative development, production, presentation and distribution of new work, and collaboration with nationally or internationally significant artists.
💰 Up to $70,000 (general) | Up to $20,000 (individuals) | Up to $150,000 for large-scale two-year projects with matched funding. Additional $10,000 available for access and inclusion costs
🗓 Open now. Closes 21 September 2026
ARTS QUEENSLAND - TOURING QUEENSLAND FUND (ROUND 3)
Supports regional communities' access to high quality arts and cultural events, including music gigs. Applicants can apply for up to 50% of project costs.
💰 Up to $100,000 for a single tour or a touring program of up to 12 months
🗓 Opens 31 August 2026 | Closes 12 October 2026
ARTS QUEENSLAND - REGIONAL ARTS DEVELOPMENT FUND (RADF)
Delivered in partnership with 59 Queensland local councils, RADF invests in local arts priorities as determined by local communities. Amounts, categories and closing dates vary by council, and several councils run rolling small-grant and professional development streams year-round.
💰 Varies by council
🗓 Various closing dates. Check with your local council
FLYING ARTS ALLIANCE - REGIONAL ARTS FUND QUICK RESPONSE GRANTS
For regional Queensland artists and arts workers, for professional development or small project opportunities that arise at short notice. Outcomes turn around within five business days.
💰 Individuals up to $3,000 | Organisations up to $5,000
🗓 Monthly rounds, February to November. Opens the 1st and closes the last day of each month
Also worth bookmarking: QMusic's opportunities hub, which lists Queensland-specific programs including the Grant McLennan Fellowship.
NEW SOUTH WALES
SOUND NSW - TOURING AND TRAVEL FUND (DOMESTIC TRAVEL AND INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT)
Quick-response funding for NSW contemporary music artists, acts and industry professionals. Covers domestic tours, attendance and performance at music market events, and significant international professional development. Monthly rolling rounds.
💰 Up to $2,500 per person (domestic) | Up to $5,000 per person (international PD)
🗓 Closes 28 August 2026, then 12pm on the last Friday of each month
SOUND NSW - TOURING AND TRAVEL FUND (INTERNATIONAL TOURING)
Supports travel and accommodation costs for established NSW artists and acts on significant international tours.
💰 Up to $30,000 (matched funding)
🗓 Closes 30 October 2026
SYDNEY FESTIVAL - FESTIVAL COMMONS 2027
Now in its second year, Festival Commons supports the next wave of IBPoC festival-makers, curators and cultural conveners in Greater Sydney and the Asia Pacific. Four participants from Greater Sydney and two from the Asia Pacific will be selected for mentorship, resourcing, skills development and international exchange.
💰 Mentorship and resourcing
🗓 EOIs close 13 August 2026 at 11:59pm AEST
INNER WEST COUNCIL - FESTIVAL OF BALMAIN
Performer, stallholder and community group applications for the festival on Sunday 29 November.
💰 Performance opportunity
🗓 Closes 23 August 2026
REGIONAL ARTS NSW - QUICK RESPONSE GRANTS
Monthly quick-response funding for regional NSW artists. Applications are competitively assessed at the end of each month, with outcomes five days later. No minimum grant amount.
💰 Individuals up to $3,000 | Organisations up to $5,000
🗓 Monthly rounds, February to November. Opens the 1st and closes the last day of each month
CITY OF SYDNEY - QUICK RESPONSE GRANTS
Supports small-scale, community-led projects that improve, represent or celebrate local neighbourhoods. Submit at least eight weeks before your activity starts.
💰 Individuals up to $5,000 | Organisations up to $10,000
🗓 Open year-round until the budget is exhausted
CITY OF SYDNEY - ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER COLLABORATION FUND
Supports local First Nations-led projects that build stronger communities and increase self-determination, delivered within 12 months.
💰 Up to $50,000
🗓 Open now until the budget is exhausted
MUSICNSW - NEW WAVE WORKSHOPS
In-person and digital workshops for early and mid-career artists and people building local music businesses. August sessions cover storytelling in your art (Western Sydney, 19 August), festival marketing with Yours & Owls (Wollongong, 24 August), breaking through with Laneway Festival (Newcastle, 27 August), social media strategy (online, 27 August) and worldbuilding for artists (Sydney, 29 August).
💰 Free or low cost
🗓 Various dates through August 2026
Also in NSW: the Championing NSW Music database helps government agencies find NSW artists for live performances, commissions and sync. MyGigPass gives 18 to 25 year olds free and discounted tickets across NSW venues. And the MusicNSW funding calendar is the best state-level tracker going.
VICTORIA
CREATIVE VICTORIA - CREATIVE LEARNING PARTNERSHIPS
Supports Victorian schools to run a creative-in-residence project with a creative professional, collective or organisation. Individual practitioners working with a school for 15 to 20 days can apply for $10,000; collectives of two to five practitioners working at least 20 days can apply for $35,000.
💰 $10,000 - $35,000
🗓 Closes 13 August 2026 at 3pm
UPSTART AWARD 2026
An annual grant for emerging Victorian singer-songwriters. The winner receives $10,000, second place $3,000, third place $2,000, and the remaining top 10 receive $1,000 each. Judged by a panel of local artists and industry experts from community radio, retail and streaming. Aimed at artists who are not on the map yet.
💰 $1,000 - $10,000
🗓 Closes 31 August 2026 at midnight. Winner announced mid-November
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
MESS - SYNTH 101 WORKSHOPS
Hands-on introductory synthesis workshops for complete beginners, taught on instruments from the MESS collection. Sessions on 15 and 29 August are open to all; the 22 August session is for women, trans and gender diverse people.
💰 $66 - $99
🗓 15, 22 and 29 August 2026
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
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
NOISY FUTURES - ROCK CAMP
A week-long rock camp at Ainslie Arts Centre for girls (trans and cis), trans boys, gender diverse and intersex young people aged 10 to 17. No prior music experience needed, all genres welcome. Camp runs 28 September to 2 October, with a showcase on 3 October.
💰 See site for fees
🗓 Applications close 30 August 2026
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
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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