We answer your Art Music Fund FAQ

Applications for the 2026 Art Music Fund open on Friday Dec 5.

Are you an art music composer looking to create new work? Here we answer your top FAQ.

1. WHAT IS THE ART MUSIC FUND?

The Art Music Fund is an annual AUD $7,500 grant for Australian and New Zealand art music composers. The fund supports innovative new works and was created in recognition of the limited opportunities for art music composers to have new works performed. In 2025 there are 11 grants available – nine for Australian composers and two for composers from New Zealand. The Art Music Fund is a joint initiative of APRA AMCOS, the Australian Music Centre and SOUNZ Centre for New Zealand Music.

2. WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Australian and New Zealand art music composers at any stage of their career are welcome to apply. You must be a member of APRA AMCOS to apply. If you’re not already, sign up - it’s free. Applications for the 2026 Art Music Fund open on Friday Dec 5.

3. WHAT KIND OF MUSIC IS ELIGIBLE?

A broad range of music compositions have been funded in the past. This includes solo works, chamber music, jazz, large-scale ensembles and orchestral works, theatrical and operatic works. Choreographed works, improvised music and sound art are also eligible.

N.B.: The Art Music Fund is not intended to support popular contemporary music, nor folk music.

4. WHAT DOES THE APPLICATION PROCESS INVOLVE?

The Art Music Fund is a big application for a big project, so it’s best to get started as early as possible.

Applications are assessed by:

• Innovation - How the work develops the applicant’s practice.
• Excellence & Compositional Craft - The quality of the work.
• Viability - The viability of the proposed project.
• Reach & Impact - The quality of the presentation and exposure plan.

Enhancing the lifespan and longevity of your work is a core part of this fund. Therefore, applicants will be expected to demonstrate partnerships between the composer and ensembles, performers, presenters, producers, recording companies and so on.

As an applicant, you will also be asked to explain how your arts practice aligns with the qualities identified in the Art Music Fund (innovation, compositional craft, and excellence), regardless of style. Read the full requirements thoroughly, and give yourself plenty of time to gather support material. The guidelines for applying are here for Australia and here for NZ. Once you’re ready, click the buttons at the bottom of this page which will take you to the SmartyGrants application link.

5. HOW LONG DOES THE APPLICATION TAKE?

Applications for the 2026 Art Music Fund open on Friday Dec 5. Applications close on 16 February, so time is of the essence. Lining up letters of support for your project can take time, so plan accordingly. It’s a great idea to get started as soon as possible to give yourself the best chance of success.

"Often less is more - be succinct, clear about what your objectives, output and outcomes are, and put your best foot forward." - Connor D'Netto, 2018 Art Music Fund recipient.

6. WHAT IS THE MONEY INTENDED FOR?

These grants are intended as a contribution towards the commissioned fee of the proposed work, with the plan for multiple performances with presentation partners. The money funds your composing time.

6. WHO ARE THE JUDGES?

The Art Music Fund is assessed by an external panel of musicians. With an aim to represent a complete view of the industry, we are particularly aware of ensuring the panel of experts includes diverse voices across culture, gender, geography, generation, and genre.

7. WHO ARE THE PREVIOUS WINNERS?

You'll find a full list of previous Art Music Fund winners HERE.

Feedback from past recipients:

"The grant will allow me to dedicate time and resources to the composition process, particularly the collaborative work with taonga pūoro performer Mahina-Ina Kingi-Kaui. It also supports the development of a culturally respectful and technically cohesive orchestral score, ensuring both solo voices are meaningfully integrated. The Art Music Fund plays a vital role in enabling composers to take creative risks and develop ambitious new work that might not otherwise be possible. It supports the creation of a diverse, high-quality repertoire that reflects our evolving cultural landscape." - Tatiana Riabinkina, 2025 Art Music Fund Recipient

“It is invaluable having the Art Music Fund, the only local composition award which specifically supports composers to create works with a long artistic and performance life, displaying compositional craft and representing excellence.” – Eve de Castro Robinson, 2024 Art Music Fund Recipient

“The APRA Art Music Fund grant offered me both important assistance and space to create my new work, as well as providing a framework to cement my relationship with the ensemble I wrote for. In retrospect, this particular time formed the foundations of an ongoing, and thriving relationship with those musicians, which the APRA award enabled.” – Dylan Lardelli, 2017 NZ Art Music Fund Recipient

“Applying for the Art Music Fund allowed me to plan my project and the release to achieve longevity and sustainability. Receiving the funding helped me create and plan for the future during the financial hardship of the lockdown in 2020.” – Maria Moles, 2020 Art Music Fund Recipient