Contemporary Music Fund Development Program

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.

Funding permanently closed

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.

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. 

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.

Contemporary Music Fund Short Notice Activity Program

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. 

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. 

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
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

Funding closed

Who can apply

Amount available

  • International touring/showcasing opportunities: Up to $15,000
  • Regional and national touring/showcasing opportunities: Up to $10,000
  • Professional development opportunities: Up to $5000
Page reviewed 01 July 2025