For Artists

Building a career in the music industry can be tough. We're here to help.

#Opportunities and programs

QMusic’s events and programs support the professional development of emerging and established artists, and connects them with an international music industry network.

The Queensland Music Awards is a platform for unearthing the best new songwriters from Queensland, and also recognises the contribution of established artists. Every entrant gets their song heard by industry judges from around the world. Finalists and winners benefit from significant exposure across our media partner platforms.

QMusic Connect is our professional development program for emerging Queensland artists. The masterclass program takes participants through the process of setting up a music industry business and releasing a song into market. And it’s free!

QMusic also administers grants for recording projects (The Billy Thorpe Scholarship, Carol Lloyd Award and Dennis 'Mop' Conlon Scholarship) and songwriting (The Grant McLennan Fellowship).

Our signature event, BIGSOUND, offers the opportunity for 150 of Australia’s best new acts to play to an audience of music industry influencers and a public audience looking for their new favourite band.

#QMUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS

Grant Mclennan Fellowship

$15,000 grant

Carol Lloyd Award

$15,000 grant

Billy Thorpe Scholarship

$15,000 grant

Dennis 'Mop' Conlon Scholarship

$15,000 grant

#Resources

AMIN Legal Pack Resources

This Music Industry Legal Pack includes fact sheets and checklists that explain some of the common agreements you might need to enter into as a music professional.

Fundraising Support

Creative Australia’s fundraising programs and services aim to build the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of artists and organisations, supporting financially sustainable creative careers and business models.

Social Checklist

Formulate your brand and social strategy with the best go-to tips from our friends at GYROstream.

Gyrostream Release Checklist

A comprehensive list of everything you need to think about when you're releasing!

QMusic Concert Care

Safer spaces in live music so everyone can have a top night out.

Fact Sheet Music & Copyright

This fact sheet provides an overview of the music copyright issues for songwriters and composers.

Understanding Fan Analytics: Luminate Execs Weigh In

The entertainment data company’s Helena Kosinski and Jaime Marconette give tips on using the power of numbers to build your fan base.

#Grants Guide

International Performance and Touring Activity

A matched funding initiative from the Australian Government supporting a diverse range of Australian contemporary music artists, from emerging talent to established acts. The International Performance and Touring Fund (Category 1) supports international touring and showcase activity with matched funding of $5,000 to $75,000.

Applications close Tuesday 17 March 2026 at 3pm.

International Professional and Artistic Development

A matched funding initiative from the Australian Government supporting a diverse range of Australian contemporary music artists, from emerging talent to established acts. The International Professional and Artistic Development Fund (Category 2) supports international professional development activity with matched funding of $3,000 to $15,000.

Applications close Tuesday 17 March 2026 at 3pm.

International Market and Audience Development

A matched funding initiative from the Australian Government supporting a diverse range of Australian contemporary music artists, from emerging talent to established acts. The International Market and Audience Development Fund (Category 3) supports international promotional and content creation activities with matched funding of $2,000 to $10,000.

Applications close Tuesday 17 March 2026 at 3pm.

Queensland Arts Project Fund

The Queensland Arts Project Fund (the Fund) grants one-off support to Queensland-based individuals, arts companies, groups, and organisations for developing and presenting new creative work.

The Fund will help deliver Queensland’s Time to Shine: 10-year arts and cultural strategy priorities, including sharing our stories and celebrating our storytellers.

Applications close Monday 13 April 2026 at 2pm.

Touring Queensland Fund

The Queensland Government is committed to building a vibrant, inclusive arts scene where every Queenslander feels welcome. Round 2 of the Touring Queensland Fund supports regional communities in accessing high-quality arts and cultural experiences, including live music gigs, bringing world-class events to audiences across the state.

Applications close Tuesday 5 May 2026 at 2pm.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Development Fund

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Development Fund provides one-off grants to Queensland-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, companies, groups and organisations. The Fund supports the development and presentation of new creative performing arts work, promotes exceptional arts and cultural work to wider audiences and markets, and connects outstanding visual artists with international opportunities.

Applications close Monday 22 June 2026 at 2pm.