Australia hubs

Tane

Musician

AustraliaEnglish (English)$ AUD

Tane is a gigging musician living in Australia, balancing studio sessions, touring, and teaching. This hub tracks the grants, tax deductions, and social support systems that help him keep his gear maintained and his career afloat.

Keeping the taxman happy and the cash flowing

Musicians have complex income streams, and knowing what you can claim is the difference between profit and loss.

Sole Trader Tax Deductions

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Self-employed musicians earning income from gigs and teaching.
What you get
Deductions for gear, travel, home office, and promotion costs.
What it actually costs you
Requires keeping every receipt and a logbook for vehicle travel.
Common gotcha
Mixing personal and business expenses is the fastest way to get audited.

Australian Business Number (ABN)

national · Australian Business Register

Who qualifies
Anyone operating as a freelance musician.
What you get
Legal status to invoice venues and businesses.
What it actually costs you
Free to register online; takes about 20 minutes.
Common gotcha
You must register for GST if your turnover hits $75,000 per year.

Income Averaging for Artists

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Special professional artists with fluctuating annual incomes.
What you get
Reduces the tax burden in high-earning years by averaging income over five years.
What it actually costs you
Requires detailed records of income for the last 5 years.
Common gotcha
It is complex; you usually need an accountant to calculate it correctly.

Superannuation for Contractors

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Self-employed musicians managing their own retirement.
What you get
Tax-advantaged savings for retirement.
What it actually costs you
Voluntary contributions from your gig earnings.
Common gotcha
Many musicians forget to pay themselves super, missing out on compound interest.

JobSeeker Payment

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Musicians currently between gigs looking for work.
What you get
Fortnightly income support payment.
What it actually costs you
Requires proof of job searching and income reporting.
Common gotcha
Your income must be below a certain threshold to qualify.

GST Concessions

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Small businesses with turnover under $75k.
What you get
Exemption from charging GST on your services.
What it actually costs you
Must monitor turnover closely.
Common gotcha
If you don't register for GST, you can't claim back GST on gear purchases.

Funding the next tour or album

Creative projects are expensive; these grants help bridge the gap between passion and production.

Creative Australia Grants

national · Creative Australia

Who qualifies
Professional musicians with a project proposal.
What you get
Funding for recording, touring, or professional development.
What it actually costs you
Extensive application process including budgets and CVs.
Common gotcha
Highly competitive; don't count on it as your primary income.

APRA AMCOS Grants

national · APRA AMCOS

Who qualifies
Members of the association writing original music.
What you get
Financial support for songwriting and recording.
What it actually costs you
Membership fees and project reporting.
Common gotcha
You must be a registered member to apply.

PPCA Performers Trust Foundation

national · PPCA

Who qualifies
Performing artists needing assistance for music-related projects.
What you get
Small grants for professional development or equipment.
What it actually costs you
Application form and project budget.
Common gotcha
Grants are for specific projects, not general living expenses.

Support Act Crisis Relief

national · Support Act

Who qualifies
Musicians experiencing financial hardship due to illness or crisis.
What you get
Emergency financial aid for living expenses.
What it actually costs you
Proof of industry involvement and financial hardship.
Common gotcha
It's for crisis, not for funding your next album.

Australian Cultural Fund

national · Creative Australia

Who qualifies
Artists seeking tax-deductible donations for projects.
What you get
Platform to raise funds from the public with tax incentives.
What it actually costs you
Platform fees and marketing effort.
Common gotcha
You have to do the heavy lifting to find donors.

Regional Arts Fund

national · Regional Arts Australia

Who qualifies
Musicians based in regional Australia.
What you get
Grants for touring and creative development.
What it actually costs you
Application documentation.
Common gotcha
Must be located outside major capital cities.

Staying healthy on the road

Musicians often lack employer-provided health insurance, making national health schemes vital.

Medicare

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
All Australian citizens and permanent residents.
What you get
Subsidised medical services and prescription drugs.
What it actually costs you
Medicare levy paid via annual tax return.
Common gotcha
Doesn't cover everything, like dental or optical.

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

national · Department of Health

Who qualifies
All Medicare card holders.
What you get
Lower costs for essential prescription medicines.
What it actually costs you
Co-payment at the pharmacy.
Common gotcha
Not all drugs are on the PBS list.

Mental Health Care Plan

national · Department of Health

Who qualifies
Anyone with a mental health concern referred by a GP.
What you get
Subsidised sessions with a psychologist.
What it actually costs you
Initial GP appointment fee.
Common gotcha
Limited to a set number of sessions per year.

Health Care Card

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Low-income earners receiving Centrelink payments.
What you get
Cheaper medicines and some health services.
What it actually costs you
Means-tested application.
Common gotcha
You lose it if your income exceeds the threshold.

Support Act Wellbeing Helpline

national · Support Act

Who qualifies
Anyone working in the Australian music industry.
What you get
Free, confidential 24/7 mental health counseling.
What it actually costs you
Just a phone call.
Common gotcha
It's for immediate support, not long-term therapy.

Medicare Safety Net

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Patients with high out-of-pocket medical costs.
What you get
Higher rebates for medical services once a threshold is met.
What it actually costs you
Automatic tracking of your expenses.
Common gotcha
You must register your family members to pool costs.

Protecting the music and the gear

Copyright is the musician's currency; protecting it and your gear is essential.

Automatic Copyright Protection

national · IP Australia

Who qualifies
All creators of original musical works.
What you get
Automatic legal protection upon creation.
What it actually costs you
Keep proof of creation (e.g., dated files).
Common gotcha
Copyright does not protect ideas, only the recorded/written work.

Arts Law Centre of Australia

national · Arts Law Centre

Who qualifies
Musicians needing legal advice on contracts.
What you get
Low-cost legal advice and contract templates.
What it actually costs you
Annual membership fee.
Common gotcha
They don't represent you in court; they provide advice.

Australian Consumer Law

national · ACCC

Who qualifies
Anyone buying gear for business or personal use.
What you get
Right to repair, replacement, or refund for faulty goods.
What it actually costs you
Proof of purchase.
Common gotcha
Stores often try to push 'extended warranties' that offer less than the law.

Trademark Registration

national · IP Australia

Who qualifies
Musicians wanting to protect their band name or logo.
What you get
Exclusive legal rights to use your brand name.
What it actually costs you
Application fees starting around $330.
Common gotcha
Registration is category-specific; you must choose 'entertainment services'.

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman

national · ASBFEO

Who qualifies
Sole traders with disputes against larger businesses.
What you get
Dispute resolution services.
What it actually costs you
Free service.
Common gotcha
They act as a mediator, not a judge.

Fair Work Ombudsman

national · Fair Work

Who qualifies
Musicians working as employees or contractors.
What you get
Information on minimum pay rates and workplace rights.
What it actually costs you
Free advice.
Common gotcha
Contractors have fewer protections than employees.

State-level schemes

8states & territories — open one to see what it offers.

Australian Capital Territory

Canberra offers a unique ecosystem for musicians through targeted arts grants and specialized rehearsal infrastructure that supports the local creative economy.

Money to fuel my creative projects

ACT Arts Project Funding

state · artsACT

Who qualifies
ACT-based individual artists and musicians with a project proposal.
What you get
Grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 for specific creative works.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project budget, artistic CV, and a rigorous application process requiring 4-6 weeks lead time.
Common gotcha
The funding is highly competitive; ensure your project aligns strictly with the current year's arts policy priorities.

Canberra Creative Residency Program

state · ACT Government

Who qualifies
Professional musicians seeking space and time to develop new work.
What you get
Access to studio space and a stipend to cover living costs during the residency period.
What it actually costs you
A robust portfolio and a clear plan of what you intend to produce by the end of the residency.
Common gotcha
Residencies are often tied to specific venues; check if the space is sound-isolated for your specific instrument.

ACT Small Business Innovation Grant

state · Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate

Who qualifies
Musicians operating as a registered small business (sole trader) in the ACT.
What you get
Rebates for professional development or equipment upgrades to improve business efficiency.
What it actually costs you
Must have an ABN and provide tax invoices for all claimed expenses.
Common gotcha
You cannot claim for standard musical instruments; it must be for business-related infrastructure like software or marketing.

Canberra Musicians Club Venue Support

community · Canberra Musicians Club

Who qualifies
Local musicians performing at affiliated community venues.
What you get
Subsidized sound engineering and venue hire fees for local gigs.
What it actually costs you
Membership in the club and adherence to their performance booking schedule.
Common gotcha
Slots fill up months in advance; you must be an active member to access the subsidized rates.

Where I can practice without annoying the neighbours

Belconnen Arts Centre Studio Hire

state · Belconnen Arts Centre

Who qualifies
ACT residents needing professional-grade rehearsal space.
What you get
Discounted hourly rates for sound-treated rehearsal studios.
What it actually costs you
Booking fee and proof of residency in the ACT.
Common gotcha
Peak evening hours are often booked by dance troupes; aim for weekday mornings for better availability.

Tuggeranong Arts Centre Rehearsal Space

state · Tuggeranong Arts Centre

Who qualifies
Musicians and ensembles based in the southern ACT region.
What you get
Access to performance-ready spaces for rehearsals at community-subsidized rates.
What it actually costs you
Public liability insurance is mandatory for all groups using the space.
Common gotcha
You must provide your own backline; the space is provided as a 'dry hire'.

ACT Library Creative Studios

state · Libraries ACT

Who qualifies
Any library member with an ACT residential address.
What you get
Free access to recording equipment and sound booths in selected branches.
What it actually costs you
A valid library card and a short induction session on equipment use.
Common gotcha
Booking slots are limited to 2 hours per session to ensure fair access for all.
New South Wales

New South Wales offers the most robust ecosystem for independent artists in Australia, with specific grants and venue support that keep Sydney's live music scene alive.

Money to keep the music playing

Create NSW Annual Funding

state · Create NSW

Who qualifies
Individual artists and small to medium arts organizations based in NSW.
What you get
Project grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 for creative development.
What it actually costs you
Requires a detailed project plan, budget, and letters of support; competitive application process.
Common gotcha
The application windows are strict; missing the deadline means waiting an entire year.

Sound Amplification Fund

state · MusicNSW

Who qualifies
NSW-based musicians and music businesses.
What you get
Small grants to assist with recording, touring, or professional development.
What it actually costs you
Requires proof of professional activity and a clear budget for the specific project.
Common gotcha
Often oversubscribed; focus on how the funds directly impact your career trajectory.

NSW Artist Residency Program

state · Create NSW

Who qualifies
Professional artists looking for space to develop new work.
What you get
Subsidized studio space or residency opportunities in regional and metro NSW.
What it actually costs you
Application fee varies; requires a portfolio and residency proposal.
Common gotcha
Residencies often require you to be away from home for extended periods.

Regional Arts NSW Grants

state · Regional Arts NSW

Who qualifies
Artists living outside the Sydney metropolitan area.
What you get
Funding for touring regional areas or developing community-based music projects.
What it actually costs you
Must demonstrate community engagement and regional impact.
Common gotcha
You must be based in a designated regional area to qualify.

Getting on stage and staying safe

Live Music Support Package

state · Liquor & Gaming NSW

Who qualifies
Venues and promoters hosting live music events.
What you get
Regulatory relief and grants to cover costs of hosting live performances.
What it actually costs you
Requires compliance with noise regulations and safety protocols.
Common gotcha
Often tied to specific venue licensing requirements.

City of Sydney Live Music and Performance Grant

municipal · City of Sydney Council

Who qualifies
Artists and venues within the City of Sydney LGA.
What you get
Funding to support live music events and performance series.
What it actually costs you
Requires a detailed event management plan and insurance.
Common gotcha
Must align with the City's cultural strategy goals.

NSW Noise Complaint Mediation Service

state · NSW Environment Protection Authority

Who qualifies
Musicians and venues facing noise complaints.
What you get
Free mediation to resolve noise disputes without legal action.
What it actually costs you
Time and willingness to negotiate with neighbors.
Common gotcha
Mediation is voluntary; both parties must agree to participate.

Creative Kids Program

state · Service NSW

Who qualifies
Parents of school-aged children (for music lessons).
What you get
$50 voucher per child per year for creative activities.
What it actually costs you
Must be used with an approved provider.
Common gotcha
Vouchers expire at the end of the year; use them early.
Northern Territory

The Northern Territory offers unique arts grants and remote-area support that recognise the high cost of touring and living in the Top End.

Grants to make my music

Arts NT Project Grants

state · Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities

Who qualifies
NT-based individual artists or music groups with a project proposal.
What you get
Funding between $5,000 and $20,000 for recording, touring, or professional development.
What it actually costs you
Detailed budget, project timeline, and support letters; requires 3 months lead time.
Common gotcha
You must have an ABN and be registered for GST if your grant exceeds the threshold.

Career Development Grants

state · Arts NT

Who qualifies
Individual NT musicians looking to attend workshops or industry showcases.
What you get
Up to $5,000 to cover travel, registration, and accommodation costs.
What it actually costs you
Proof of invitation or acceptance to the event; application 6 weeks before travel.
Common gotcha
Does not cover retrospective costs—apply well before your flight.

Music NT Touring Assistance

state · Music NT

Who qualifies
NT musicians touring regionally or interstate.
What you get
Subsidies for fuel, van hire, and accommodation while on the road.
What it actually costs you
Tour itinerary and budget breakdown; must provide receipts for acquittal.
Common gotcha
The acquittal process is strict; keep every single fuel receipt.

Aboriginal Arts and Cultural Development

state · Arts NT

Who qualifies
First Nations musicians and community-led music projects.
What you get
Dedicated funding for cultural music projects and preservation.
What it actually costs you
Community consultation evidence and project plan.
Common gotcha
Requires clear evidence of community support or cultural authority.

Keeping the lights on in Darwin

NT Concession Scheme

state · Territory Revenue Office

Who qualifies
Low-income earners, pensioners, and health care card holders.
What you get
Discounts on electricity, water, sewerage, and motor vehicle registration.
What it actually costs you
Proof of income and residency; annual renewal required.
Common gotcha
You must notify them immediately if your income status changes.

First Home Owner Discount

state · Territory Revenue Office

Who qualifies
First-time buyers purchasing a home in the NT.
What you get
Stamp duty discount on properties up to $650,000.
What it actually costs you
Legal fees for conveyancing and proof of first-time status.
Common gotcha
You must live in the home for at least 6 months within the first year.

Pensioner and Carer Fuel Concession

state · Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics

Who qualifies
Pensioners living in the NT.
What you get
Annual payment to assist with vehicle running costs.
What it actually costs you
Vehicle registration details and pension card.
Common gotcha
Only applies to one vehicle per household.
Queensland

Queensland offers a unique ecosystem for independent musicians through state-funded arts grants, regional touring support, and specific tax-advantaged cultural initiatives.

Grants to keep the music playing

Arts Queensland Individuals Fund

state · Arts Queensland

Who qualifies
Professional Queensland-based musicians and artists.
What you get
Grants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 for professional development or project creation.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project budget, artistic CV, and a 4-week assessment period.
Common gotcha
You must show how the project benefits the Queensland arts sector, not just your own career.

Touring Queensland Fund

state · Arts Queensland

Who qualifies
Musicians touring to regional or remote Queensland locations.
What you get
Funding to cover travel, freight, and accommodation costs for regional tours.
What it actually costs you
Evidence of confirmed venue bookings and a regional touring itinerary.
Common gotcha
Funding is strictly for regional/remote areas; Brisbane-only gigs do not qualify.

Creative Entrepreneur Program

state · Queensland Government

Who qualifies
Musicians looking to scale their music business or brand.
What you get
Access to business mentorship, networking, and small business development grants.
What it actually costs you
Application process involves a business pitch presentation.
Common gotcha
It focuses on the 'business' side of music, not the creative output.

Finding a place to rehearse and perform

Brisbane City Council Live Music Permit

municipal · Brisbane City Council

Who qualifies
Musicians performing in public spaces or council-owned venues.
What you get
Legal authorization to busk or perform in designated high-traffic public areas.
What it actually costs you
Small annual permit fee and public liability insurance proof.
Common gotcha
You cannot use amplification in certain zones without an additional noise permit.

QMusic Rehearsal Space Subsidy

community · QMusic

Who qualifies
Emerging Queensland bands and solo artists.
What you get
Discounted access to professional rehearsal studios across Brisbane.
What it actually costs you
Membership with QMusic required.
Common gotcha
Slots fill up fast, book at least 2 weeks in advance.

Cultural Infrastructure Fund

state · Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy

Who qualifies
Independent venues and community music hubs.
What you get
Grants to upgrade soundproofing or technical equipment for live music venues.
What it actually costs you
Requires venue owner partnership and detailed technical quotes.
Common gotcha
This is for the venue, but you can lobby your local venue to apply.
South Australia

South Australia offers a unique ecosystem for independent musicians through dedicated state-funded arts grants and music industry development programs that are often more accessible than in larger, more competitive states.

Grants to get my music heard

Arts South Australia Grants and Funding

state · Department of the Premier and Cabinet

Who qualifies
Individual artists and small music groups based in SA.
What you get
Project funding ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 for recording, touring, or professional development.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project budget, artistic CV, and 4-6 weeks for assessment.
Common gotcha
You must show how your project benefits the South Australian arts community, not just your own career.

Music Development Office (MDO) Support

state · South Australian Film Corporation

Who qualifies
SA-based musicians and music businesses.
What you get
Access to industry networking, export readiness programs, and specific music-industry grants.
What it actually costs you
Registration on the MDO portal and a business plan for commercial projects.
Common gotcha
They focus heavily on export-ready music; make sure your application highlights your plan to reach audiences outside SA.

City of Adelaide Arts and Cultural Grants

municipal · City of Adelaide

Who qualifies
Artists hosting events or projects within the Adelaide city council area.
What you get
Small-scale funding for local performances, festivals, or public music installations.
What it actually costs you
Application form and proof of public liability insurance.
Common gotcha
Must take place within the CBD or North Adelaide boundaries.

Finding a place to practice and play

Live Music Venue Support Program

state · Arts South Australia

Who qualifies
Venues hosting original live music, which indirectly supports local musicians' gig opportunities.
What you get
Operational grants that help venues keep booking local acts.
What it actually costs you
Usually managed by the venue owner, but musicians can advocate for their preferred venues to apply.
Common gotcha
The funding goes to the venue, not the artist, but it secures your stage.

Adelaide Festival Centre Artist Residencies

state · Adelaide Festival Centre

Who qualifies
Professional musicians looking for space to develop new work.
What you get
Free access to rehearsal studios and technical support for a set period.
What it actually costs you
Competitive application process requiring a portfolio and project proposal.
Common gotcha
Residencies are highly competitive; apply well in advance of your project timeline.
Tasmania

Tasmania offers unique grants and support for independent artists to sustain a creative career in a small, isolated market.

Grants to keep the music playing

Arts Tasmania Grants Program

state · Department of State Growth

Who qualifies
Individual Tasmanian artists and musicians with a project proposal.
What you get
Requires a detailed project budget, artist CV, and support letters; competitive application process.
Common gotcha
The application cycle is strict; missing the deadline means waiting months for the next round.

Regional Arts Fund

state · Regional Arts Tasmania

Who qualifies
Musicians living in regional Tasmania outside the Hobart metro area.
What you get
Application form, project plan, and evidence of community engagement.
Common gotcha
Must demonstrate how the project benefits the specific regional community.

Live Music Support Program

state · Tasmanian Government

Who qualifies
Venues and promoters hosting local Tasmanian musicians.
What you get
Requires venue booking confirmation and artist contract.
Common gotcha
Usually requires the venue to apply, so you need to negotiate this into your gig fee.

Tasmanian Touring Fund

state · Arts Tasmania

Who qualifies
Musicians planning to tour within Tasmania or interstate.
What you get
Detailed tour itinerary and budget breakdown.
Common gotcha
You must prove the tour is economically viable and has confirmed bookings.

Living as a freelancer in Tassie

Tasmanian Energy Concession

state · Aurora Energy

Who qualifies
Holders of a valid Centrelink Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card.
What you get
Proof of concession card; simple online form.
Common gotcha
You must re-apply if your card status changes or expires.

Business Tasmania Advisory Service

state · Business Tasmania

Who qualifies
Freelance musicians running their practice as a small business.
What you get
Book an appointment online; bring your ABN.
Common gotcha
They focus on business structure, not creative content.

Tasmanian Health Care Card (State Supplement)

state · Tasmanian Health Service

Who qualifies
Low-income earners, including gig workers.
What you get
Income statements and residency proof.
Common gotcha
It is a supplement to the federal card, not a replacement.
Victoria

Melbourne is the live music capital of Australia, and Victoria offers unique state-specific grants and venue protection laws that support independent artists and musicians.

Money to keep the music playing

Creative Victoria Music Industry Grants

state · Creative Victoria

Who qualifies
Victorian-based musicians, bands, and music businesses.
What you get
Project funding ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 for recording, touring, or professional development.
What it actually costs you
Requires a detailed project budget, artist CV, and 4-6 weeks for assessment.
Common gotcha
You must prove you have a confirmed venue or partner in Victoria before applying.

Music Victoria Membership Benefits

community · Music Victoria

Who qualifies
Any Victorian musician or music industry professional.
What you get
Access to legal advice, industry networking, and discounted public liability insurance.
What it actually costs you
Annual membership fee of approximately $77.
Common gotcha
The insurance discount only applies if you are a sole trader or independent artist.

Take the Stage Program

state · Creative Victoria

Who qualifies
Emerging Victorian artists looking to perform at major state-run festivals.
What you get
Paid performance slots and professional mentoring.
What it actually costs you
Application via online portal during intake periods.
Common gotcha
Highly competitive; requires a high-quality EPK (Electronic Press Kit).

Victorian Regional Touring Fund

state · Creative Victoria

Who qualifies
Artists planning to tour outside of metropolitan Melbourne.
What you get
Subsidies to cover travel, accommodation, and venue hire costs for regional shows.
What it actually costs you
Requires a tour itinerary and evidence of regional venue interest.
Common gotcha
Does not cover international travel segments.

Finding a place to rehearse and perform

Agent of Change Planning Policy

state · Department of Transport and Planning

Who qualifies
Live music venues in Victoria.
What you get
Legal protection from noise complaints by new residential developments built near existing venues.
What it actually costs you
Venue must be registered and compliant with local council noise permits.
Common gotcha
Does not protect against noise complaints from pre-existing residents.

City of Melbourne Busking Permit

municipal · City of Melbourne

Who qualifies
Soloists and groups performing in public spaces.
What you get
Legal right to perform in designated high-traffic spots like Bourke Street Mall.
What it actually costs you
Small annual permit fee and an audition process.
Common gotcha
You must carry your permit at all times; fines apply for non-compliance.

Creative Spaces Portal

state · Creative Victoria

Who qualifies
Artists looking for affordable rehearsal or studio space.
What you get
Access to a database of low-cost, artist-friendly studios and rehearsal rooms.
What it actually costs you
Free to search; rental costs vary by location.
Common gotcha
Spaces go quickly; check the portal daily for new listings.
Western Australia

Western Australia offers unique grants and regional touring support that help independent musicians sustain a career across the vast distances of the state.

Getting my projects off the ground

Contemporary Music Fund

state · Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries

Who qualifies
WA-based contemporary musicians and bands with a track record of professional activity.
What you get
Grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 for recording, touring, and marketing.
What it actually costs you
Requires a detailed project budget and evidence of professional industry engagement.
Common gotcha
The application process is highly competitive and requires a clear business case for how the funds expand your audience.

Regional Arts WA Grants

state · Regional Arts WA

Who qualifies
Musicians living and working in regional Western Australia.
What you get
Financial support for regional touring and community-based music projects.
What it actually costs you
Must demonstrate significant community impact or regional engagement.
Common gotcha
Often requires letters of support from the regional venues or councils you plan to visit.

Creative Development Grants

state · Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries

Who qualifies
Individual artists working on new creative works.
What you get
Small-scale funding for research, development, and creative experimentation.
What it actually costs you
Requires a project plan and a clear timeline for the creative output.
Common gotcha
Cannot be used for retrospective costs; must be for future work.

WA Music Touring Fund

state · Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries

Who qualifies
WA artists touring within or outside of Western Australia.
What you get
Subsidies for travel, accommodation, and freight costs associated with touring.
What it actually costs you
Requires a confirmed itinerary and proof of venue bookings.
Common gotcha
Does not cover international airfares, only domestic and regional travel.

Navigating the industry and venues

WAM (West Australian Music) Membership

community · West Australian Music

Who qualifies
Any WA-based musician or music industry professional.
What you get
Access to industry networking, professional development workshops, and legal advice referrals.
What it actually costs you
Annual membership fee of approximately $50-$100.
Common gotcha
The value is in the networking events, not just the digital resources.

City of Perth Busking Permit

municipal · City of Perth

Who qualifies
Solo performers or small groups wanting to perform in public spaces.
What you get
Legal right to perform in designated high-traffic areas in the CBD.
What it actually costs you
Small annual permit fee and a short audition or assessment.
Common gotcha
Strict noise level regulations and specific time slots apply.

Arts Law Centre of Australia (WA Referral)

trust · Arts Law Centre of Australia

Who qualifies
Low-income musicians needing contract or copyright advice.
What you get
Pro-bono or low-cost legal advice on music contracts and copyright.
What it actually costs you
Requires proof of income and a membership fee for the centre.
Common gotcha
They are often oversubscribed; apply well in advance of signing any contract.

Healthway Arts Grants

state · Healthway

Who qualifies
Artists whose projects promote healthy lifestyle messages.
What you get
Significant funding for projects that integrate health messaging into music performances.
What it actually costs you
Must include a health promotion strategy in your project plan.
Common gotcha
The health message must be central to the project, not just an afterthought.