Australian contemporary music grant opens to boost global reach for artists
Australia’s dedicated music investment body has launched a new funding initiative aimed at helping home-grown contemporary artists expand their international presence. Under the programme, musicians, bands, producers and songwriters can access matched-funding grants of AUD 2,000 to 10,000 to support international marketing and audience development activities.
The scheme, known as the Export Development Fund, Category 3: “International Market and Audience Development”, is administered by Music Australia within Creative Australia. It is designed to enable Australian-based contemporary music professionals to engage global audiences through promotional campaigns, content creation (including videos and social media reels), lyric translations, digital marketing and more.
Key details
Applications close on Tuesday 2 December 2025 at 3 pm AEDT.
Eligible activities must begin between 1 April 2026 and 30 June 2026, and be completed within 12 months.
Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, currently practising in the music industry (solo artists, bands, producers, songwriters, composers, etc.). Organisations may apply on behalf of artists.
Grant amount is matched funding: applicants must show evidence of matching funds.
The programme is specifically for contemporary Australian music, defined as “new, original and relevant to contemporary Australia”.
Music Australia’s Director commented that this initiative is part of the broader effort to support Australian artists in reaching international markets and building sustainable careers beyond domestic limitations.
Artists looking to seize international promotional opportunities—such as launching a digital campaign targeting overseas audiences, releasing music videos or translating lyrics, are encouraged to apply. The matched-funding structure is intended to amplify impact while ensuring artist investment in their international strategy.