From 1 July 2025, the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport (CITS) replaces the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC).
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:
The Contemporary Music Fund 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@cits.wa.gov.au
Please apply using the Online Grants web portal.
More information about how to apply can be found in the application manual.
Funding open
You must read the guidelines before submitting an application as they provide essential information.