The Art Music Fund is open now for applications. Are you an art music composer looking to create new work? Here we answer your top FAQ.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
You'll find a full list of previous Art Music Fund winners HERE.
Please read the full guidelines for Australia or New Zealand before you apply. Applications close 16 February. If you're living overseas, please apply based on whether your membership is affiliated with Australia or New Zealand. If further clarification is required, please email [email protected].
Feedback from past recipients:
“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