Live on Stage - Music International Showcase Program - Market Development

Closing date: None, applications must be received eight (8) weeks prior to the project start date.

You cannot apply for this market development grant online.  Please go to the How to Apply tab to download an application form.

The Live on Stage program provides travel support for professional musicians (and their manager/representative) selected to showcase original Australian music at key international music trade fairs and international festivals.

This program is part of the Australia Council's Market Development’s international music strategy 2008-2011. It responds to the current global interest and demand in rock/pop and Indigenous music from Australia, and the ongoing growth of a strong and vibrant live music scene.

Support is available in two ways:

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). The focus on these three trade fairs is 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.

Musicians with ‘career-defining’ performances at key international music festivals tied to developing career and market potential for musicians. The performance opportunity must be on an official/main stage with the demonstrated potential to expand on an established audience base and market niche. The festival must be high-profile, established, attract key buyers and decision-makers from the international music sector and generate strong media interest. Performance fees must be paid.

Amount

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

Individuals, groups and organisations are eligible to apply for funding that:

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

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. Please see Music’s International Pathways grant for more information on support for international touring
• 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.

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.

Deadline

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

For applications received from 18th December 2009 to 15th January 2010, please allow for a ten (10) week assessment period.

Applicants will normally be notified of the results within six (6) weeks of receipt of their complete application. 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.

Assessment criteria

Australia Council staff review 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.

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 (for festival invitations). Please outline the intended outcomes of the showcase performance, for example, how the showcase contributes to short and long-term career development goals and establishes or consolidates international markets. Please provide evidence to demonstrate the trade fair/festival is high-profile, established, and attracts key decision-makers. Please also demonstrate a 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 that demonstrates 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.

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

Please send a complete hard copy of your application to: 

Live on Stage
Market Development
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.

More information

For further information, please contact:

Bow Campbell
Program Officer, Market Development
Tel: (02) 9215 9099 or Toll free: 1800 226 912
Email: b.campbell@australiacouncil.gov.au

These guidelines are subject to modification without notice.

Live on Stage application form and guidelines Word
(MS Word Document - 302.5 kb)