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. 

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#QMUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS

#Resources

#QMusic Resources

Spotify's 2023 Music Calendar for Artists

A selection of Important dates, observances, and holidays useful for anyone in the music industry to know.

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.

QMusic Connect Resources

Access all program resources referenced by speakers.

#Grants Guide

Creative Sparks Grants Program

The Creative Sparks Grants Program is an arts and cultural grants program that assists artists and not-for-profit community arts, historical and cultural organisations to create and present work.

Applications close 11 December, 2023.

Lord Mayor's Creative Fellowship

The Creative Sparks Grants Program is an arts and cultural grants program that assists artists and not-for-profit community arts, historical and cultural organisations to create and present work.

Applications close 18 December, 2023.

Arts Projects for Individual and Groups

This program funds a range of activities that deliver benefits to the arts sector and wider public, including national and international audiences and communities.

Grants are available from $10,000 to $50,000. Supported activities must not last longer than two years from the proposed start date.

Please note: The International Engagement Fund will be offered as a separate category, closing on 19 September 2023.

Please note: Your project must consider the latest government advice regarding COVID-19.

Please read through the following grant guidelines.

If you need advice about applying, contact an Artists Services Officer.

Applications close 5 March, 2024.

Arts Projects for Organisations

This program funds a range of activities that deliver benefits to the arts sector and wider public, including national and international audiences and communities. Organisations that undertake arts programs, projects, or that provide services to artists, are welcome to apply.

Organisations can propose a single project, a suite of projects or annual programs of activity.

Grants are available from $20,000 to $100,000. Supported activities must last no longer than two years from the proposed start date.

Applications close 5 March, 2024.

Contemporary Music Touring Program

The Contemporary Music Touring Program (CMTP) supports national touring activity undertaken by Australian musicians performing original Australian contemporary music.

The tour must comprise of performances in at least three venues or locations outside of the performer’s hometown. Tours that include regional and remote destinations, or which assist performers residing in regional and remote areas to tour, are a priority for funding.

Grants are available from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on the number of tour venues or locations in regional or remote areas.

Applications close 5 March, 2024.

First Nations Commissioning Fund

The First Nations Commissioning Fund is focused on investing in opportunities that share First Nations stories and cultural knowledge and elevate awareness of Queensland’s exceptional First Nations arts and cultural products and experiences.

Applications open January 29, 2024.

Queensland Arts Showcase Program

The Queensland Arts Showcase Program (QASP) is focused on celebrating Queensland’s artists and stories, ensuring Queenslanders’ access to high quality experiences and growing Queensland’s cultural reputation.

Applications open March 4, 2024.

Touring Queensland Fund

The Touring Queensland Fund focuses on supporting regional community access to quality arts and cultural events and products. It supports arts presenters and producers in the delivery of performing arts, visual arts, contemporary music gigs, and cultural heritage touring activity.

Applications open March 18, 2024.

Art Music Fund

Art music composers are invited to apply for a $7,500 Art Music Fund grant to help them make new musical works a reality. 11 grants will be allocated to nine Australian and two New Zealand composers, respectively.

Applications close 14 February, 2024.

Performing Arts Market Development Fund

The Fund will support interstate and overseas opportunities that grow Queensland’s cultural economy, increase exposure, facilitate business and career growth, and expand markets and export revenue potential for Queensland-based musicians, performing artists and organisations.

This is a rolling fund.

QMUSIC acknowledges the many Traditional Custodian groups all across what is now referred to as Queensland. We pay our respect to all elders: past, present and emerging. As a peak body we also acknowledge the important role that music has played and continues to play on these lands since the very first sunrise.

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