LIVE ON STAGE - Music International Showcase Program

The Australia Council’s Market Development section aims to create more demand for Australian contemporary arts through supporting the promotion of Australian contemporary arts and the development of new markets and audiences, in Australia and internationally.

Purpose 

The LIVE ON STAGE program provides travel support for professional musicians and their manager/representative selectedto showcase original Australian music at key international music trade fairs and international festivals. 

This program is part of Market Development’s International Music Strategy 2008-2011 and responds to the current global interest and demand in rock/pop and Indigenous music from Australia and also the growth of a strong and vibrant live music scene.

Support is available for musicians selected to showcase at the following three international trade fairs - South by South West (USA), The Great Escape (UK) and WOMEX, World Music Expo (Europe) -due to their significance on the international music calendar, their ability to showcase live music and proven track record in attracting the music world’s most influential decision makers. Please note that the program prioritises Indigenous musicians selected to showcase at WOMEX.

Support is also available for ‘career-defining’ performances at key international music festivals tied to developing career and market potential for musicians. It is expected that the performance opportunity is on an official/main stage that has the potential to expand on a demonstrated audience base and market niche. It is also expected that the festival is high-profiled, established, attracts key buyers and decision-makers from the international music sector, generates strong media interest and performance fees are paid.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must:

• have an official trade fair invitation or festival invitation with confirmed performance fees.
• have an album or body of work that is nationally distributed.
• be based in Australia, be Australian citizens or have permanent resident status in Australia. Proof may be required.

Individuals, groups and organisations are eligible to apply for funding.

Restrictions:

• Given limited resources, support to travel to other international trade fairs (such as MIDEM and Popkomm) will not be considered.
• International touring is not supported under this program.
• A maximum of two (2) grants may be awarded to the same music act per financial year.
• Proposals for showcase performances that have already taken place will not be considered.
• If an application is rejected, it can not be resubmitted seeking support for the same activity.
• Individuals, groups or organisations in default of existing contractual obligations to the Australia Council are not eligible.

Amount available

The maximum available per application is AU$10,000. It is expected that the applicant will contribute to the cost of the international activity supported.

Eligible Expenses:

• Economy class international airfares (for band members and manager only)
• Freight 

All other costs associated with international travel are the responsibility of the applicant.

Assessment of application

Australia Council staff will review the travel requests against the assessment criteria below.

While your application may meet the stated assessment criteria, you are not guaranteed travel support. Support from this travel fund rests on the merits of the proposal against the stated assessment criteria in competition with other applicants and available resources.

Assessment Criteria:

1. The extent to which the showcase presents a significant international opportunity tied to career development and market potential.

Please include written confirmation of the showcase performance from the trade fair or festival, including confirmation of showcase date(s), time, venue/stage and fee paid (applicable to festival invitations).

Please outline the intended outcomes as a result of the showcase performance, for example, how the showcase will contribute to short and long-term career development goals and will establish or consolidate international markets for the music act. Please also provide evidence demonstrating that the trade fair/festival is high-profiled, established, and attracts key decision-makers and that there is a demonstrated match between the music performed and the trade fair/festival (max. 2 pages).

2. A well-defined marketing strategy for the showcase.

Please include a marketing and promotional strategy demonstrating commitment to the market/territory, how the international strategy will be rolled-out and details of meetings scheduled with international contacts.

3. The extent to which the music act is export ready.

Export readiness will vary slightly between music styles and can be demonstrated by: the music act’s profile in Australia and internationally, evidence that it is a good live music act, has extensive touring experience, a current album or body of work that is nationally distributed, a web presence, airplay, good sales and strong press.

4. Evidence that the showcase opportunity is well planned and achievable.

Please include a budget itemising the main costs of the showcase opportunity, including resources contributed by the applicant and/or any other sources of funding to demonstrate financial viability of the project.

How to apply

To apply for travel support, applicants must submit one (1) copy of the following:

• Application Form
  
• A statement of claims against each of the four (4) assessment criteria above.
  
• A full promotional pack including: current album, band biography including touring history, high quality photos, press releases and biographical information on manager. 

LIVE ON STAGE
Market Development section
Australia Council for the Arts
PO Box 788
STRAWBERRY HILLS NSW 2012

Applications received via fax or email will not be considered.

Applications which are incomplete or which do not contain all of the required materials will not be considered.

Applicants will not be contacted if applications are incomplete.

Deadline

Complete applications must be received at least eight (8) weeks prior to the project commencement date. However, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their application well before the specified period above in order to make alternate arrangements should their application not be approved for funding.

For applications received from 22nd December 2008 to 9th January 2009, please allow for a ten (10) week assessment period.

Notification of results

Applicants will normally be notified of the results within six (6) weeks of receipt of their complete application. The Australia Council does not release results over the telephone or via facsimile.

Applications will not be returned to the applicant. If you wish your materials to be returned, please contact Australia Council staff to make alternate arrangements.

Further information

For further information, please contact:

Joseph Alessi, Program Officer
International Market Development
Tel: (02) 9215 9178 or Toll free: 1800 226 91
Email: j.alessi@australiacouncil.gov.au

These guidelines are subject to modification without notice.