Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport, Government of Western Australia
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.
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:
- 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.
Contemporary Music Fund Development Program
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
For more information, visit Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport, Government of Western Australia
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