Contemporary Music Fund

The Contemporary Music Fund (CMF) assists homegrown contemporary music artists with projects that enable them to produce and promote their work, along with building links nationally and internationally.

The WA Government extended its initial 2018 commitment of $3 million for a Contemporary Music Fund in 2021 with an additional $3 million over 4 years through to 2025. From 1 July 2025, the WA Government will invest an additional $2.75 million to the WA contemporary music sector over 2025-26 to 2028-29. 

This includes a $1.5 million increase to competitive Contemporary Music Fund grants and $1.25 million Live Music Package which provides $750,000 for the creation of a WA Gig Guide  by West Australian Music in collaboration with RTRFM, as well as $500,000 for the annual delivery of WA Music Week.

The CMF's objectives are to:

  • capitalise on available opportunities for the contemporary music sector
  • contribute to the development of markets for WA music locally, nationally and internationally
  • ensure a strong representation of musicians and music professionals from Aboriginal, regional, cultural and gender diverse backgrounds. 

CMF Development Program

The Contemporary Music Fund (CMF) Development Program supports career changing opportunities for individuals, bands and music industry professionals.

The program offers up to $20,000 funding for professional development, sector development, international, national, and regional touring/showcasing opportunities, and recording and promotional activities.  

For the purpose of this program, contemporary music is defined as music that is currently being written and recorded and/or performed, with priority given to music that is broadly understood as popular. 

The CMF Development Program is designed to complement existing creative industries grant programs. 

Applicants must clearly demonstrate how the opportunity or activity will develop their career and why it is particularly timely.  

The CMF Development Program is open twice per year for extended periods. The key dates calendar has opening and closing dates. You can have 2 attempts per financial year but can only receive one CMF Development Program grant per financial year. 

Applicants are encouraged to speak with a project officer prior to commencing their grant application by calling 61 8 6552 7400 or emailing grantsprogramsca@dlgsc.wa.gov.au 

Please apply using the Online Grants  web portal. 

More information about how to apply can be found in the  application manual.

CMF Short Notice Activity Program

The Contemporary Music Fund Short Notice Activity Program (CMF SNAP) is a grant program that supports short notice opportunities for individuals, bands and music industry professionals. 

The program’s key focus is to capitalise on available opportunities by supporting applicants to respond to short notice, career building opportunities where the time frame is out of the applicant’s control and the activity cannot be funded under the Arts Projects for Individuals/Organisations grant programs. 

Eligibility 

Individuals, and groups are welcome to apply however:  

  • individuals must have Australian citizenship or permanent resident status, groups including unincorporated bodies, partnerships and individuals informally collaborating on an activity must be based in Australia 
  • if you are considering submitting an administered/auspiced grant you must contact the department before commencing your application 
  • if you are applying on behalf of Aboriginal people, you must provide evidence of significant Aboriginal involvement in the conception, development of and participation in the activity 
  • although WA residency is not a requirement to apply for a grant, if you are applying from outside WA you will need to show the benefits to WA artists, creatives, arts or cultural workers in your application. 

Funding rounds 

Applications to the CMF SNAP are open from 9 July to 5 December 2024 and 7 January to 5 June 2025, and you can apply at any time during those periods. You must submit your application at least 28 days (including weekends and public holidays) before your activity start date. 

Applicants can apply for up to $5000 for professional development opportunities, up to $10,000 for national and regional touring/showcasing opportunities and up to $15,000 for international touring/showcasing opportunities.  

This program may fund up to 100% of your activity costs and applicants can apply twice per financial year. 

Contemporary music projects that do not meet the eligibility requirements of the CMF SNAP, can apply to the Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups or the  Arts Projects for Organisations grant programs, as applicable.

 

Funding rounds

Round Open Draft review Close Projects beginning Category
Round 1 2024 to 2025 9:00am 9 July 2024 To be advised 4:00pm 5 December 2024 At least 28 days after application submission
  • International touring/showcasing opportunities
  • Regional and national opportunities
  • Professional development opportunities
  • CMF Development Program
Round 1 2025 to 2026 9:00am 8 July 2025 To be advised 4:00pm 4 December 2025 At least 28 days after application submission
  • International touring/showcasing opportunities
  • Regional and national opportunities
  • Professional development opportunities
Round 2 2024 to 2025 9:00am 7 January 2025 To be advised 4:00pm 5 June 2025 At least 28 days after application submission
  • International touring/showcasing opportunities
  • Regional and national opportunities
  • Professional development opportunities

Funding overview

Closed, opening later

Opening 8 July 2025

Who can apply

  • Community organisations
  • Groups
  • Individuals

Amount available

  • Regional and national touring/showcasing opportunities: Up to $10,000
  • Professional development opportunities: Up to $5000
  • International touring/showcasing opportunities: Up to $15,000
  • CMF Development Program: Up to $20,000

Guidelines

You must read the guidelines before submitting an application as they provide essential information.

Contemporary Music Fund Development Program guidelines Contemporary Music Fund Short Notice Activity Program Guidelines

Successful applications

Filter

Page reviewed 20 June 2025
Was this information helpful?
Do not check this box if you are a human.