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Music Australia International Conference Contribution - Independent Labels/Distributors | Expression of Interest Application | 2026 Round 1

Funded by Music Australia. Delivered in partnership with Sounds Australia. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body.

Thanks to support from Music Australia, Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR), in partnership with Sounds Australia, is pleased to announce the opening of 2026 ROUND 1 of the Music Australia International Conference Contribution (MAICC) – Labels and Australian Distributors Program for conferences taking place between 25TH August – 31st DECEMBER 2026.

The program is designed to ease the financial burden for selected Associate, Full Label and Australian Distributor members who are attending major international conferences.

MAICC funding will financially support selected AIR Associate, Full and Australian Distributor members wanting to undertake professional development by attending an international trade conference and undertake an invaluable reconnaissance in a specific international territory.

Grants of up to $5,000 AUD are available to selected participants
AIR Associate, Full, Australian Distributor members will be able to select which event they hope to attend from the following list. In addition, applicants also have the option to specify an alternative event that they wish to attend, should they receive funding, that is not listed.

All About Music, Mumbai, India, 25–27 August 2026
AXEAN, Bali, Indonesia, 29–30 August 2026
SONIK, Manila, Philippines, 10-12 September 2026
AmericanaFest, Nashville, United States, 15–19 September 2026
Reeperbahn Festival, Hamburg, Germany, 16–19 September 2026
Music Matters (All That Matters), Singapore, Singapore, 2–7 October 2026
Amsterdam Dance Event, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 21–25 October 2026
WOMEX, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, 21–25 October 2026
Music Mex, Mexico City Mexico, 4-6 November 2026
SIM São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, 29 November – 3 December 2026
Fluvial, Valdivia, Chile, 9–12 December 2026

Key dates:
Applications open: Tuesday 23rd June, 2026
Applications close: Monday 20th July, 2026 (5pm AEST)

For the full terms and conditions, eligibility criteria, and to apply head to air.org.au/maicc

Please note that priority will be given to applicants who have not previously received International conference funding. Not already a member of AIR? Find out if you qualify for AIR Label or Distributor Membership HERE
1.Which conference are you applying for funding for? (Please indicate the conference, country and dates in the textbox)(Required.)
2.Are you attending this event with an artist(s) on your roster?(Required.)
3.Your Full Name(Required.)
4.Your Mobile Phone Number(Required.)
5.Your Email Address(Required.)
6.Your AIR Membership Number (please email monica@air.org.au if you're unsure)(Required.)
7.Your Business / Company Name and ABN Number(Required.)
8.Where are you based?(Required.)
9.What are your preferred gender pronouns?
10.Your Age(Required.)
11.Do you identify as any of the following:(Required.)
12.I have read the eligibility criteria for this program (as appears at www.air.org.au/maicc) and I can confirm that I meet the eligibility criteria for funding.(Required.)
13.Please provide your labels biography. (1000 characters maximum)(Required.)
14.How long have you been an Australian Independent label or distributor? (# of years). Please note you must have been established for a minimum of 2 years to be eligible to apply.(Required.)
15.Please provide link/s (website, socials) for your label and confirm how many Australian artists you represent.(Required.)
16.Please share a plan identifying the activities you will undertake before and during this event, including specific goals you hope to achieve. This should include the objectives for your label business and could also include the plans and goals for the artists on your roster. (3000 characters maximum)(Required.)
17.Why is this a priority international market for you right now? Please share any information that demonstrates potential for growth in this region. (1000 characters maximum)(Required.)
18.How will you maximise the opportunities in the international market after the event? (1000 characters maximum)(Required.)
19.Why is funding from the Music Australia International Conference Contribution program valuable to you right now? (1000 characters maximum)(Required.)
20.Which country will you be departing from, and returning to, to attend this event?(Required.)
21.What is your funding request? You may request up to $5,000 AUD.(Required.)
$0
$5000
22.How do you intend to spend the requested funding? Please provide a $ breakdown that reflects the total amount you have requested.(Required.)
23.Are you receiving co-funding or a financial contribution for this activity from any other source? (Please check all applicable)
24.Have you received International Conference funding before?
25.If yes, please specify when you recieved the funding and which conference you attended
26.Letter of Support #1 (optional)
No file chosen
27.Letter of Support #2 (optional)
No file chosen
28.Terms & Conditions:

I have read the terms and conditions information on the program webpage (www.air.org.au/maicc) and I understand that AIR will pay selected funding recipients (Activity Participants) AU$5,000 (excluding GST) as a lump sum upon receipt of an (a) fully executed Agreement and (b) a valid Tax Invoice.

Please note it is the responsibility of all participants to arrange and pay for any insurance that they require to undertake this Activity. (If you wish to use some of your funding towards insurance costs, this is permitted.)

I confirm that if I am successful in being selected to receive funding, I agree to the program's Terms & Conditions.(Required.)
29.Privacy Collection Notice and Consent:

Privacy Collection Notice:

The information on this form is being collected by The Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR). The information is being collected, with your consent, in order to complete your application for the Music Australia International Conference Contribution - Independent Labels and Distributors program.

The information will be used by authorised staff for the purpose for which it was collected, and any other purpose which you have expressly consented to.

AIR is committed to protecting personal information provided by you in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the information will be protected against unauthorised access and use.

You may access or request correction of any personal information you have provided to AIR by contacting monica@air.org.au.

Consent:

I have read, understood and agree to the collection, use and disclosure of my personal information (including sensitive information) in accordance with the Privacy Collection Notice above.

I consent to my aggregated personal information (including sensitive information) collected by AIR in connection with the Music Australia International Conference Contribution - Independent Labels and Distributors program being disclosed to Creative Australia for research and evaluation purposes.

I understand I can withdraw this consent at any time by contacting membership@air.org.au(Required.)