AIR is excited to announce that the Music Australia International Conference Contribution (MAICC) Independent Label and Distributors ROUND 2 is NOW OPEN.

Delivered in partnership with our friends at Sounds Australia, MAICC supports selected Independent Label and Distributors members to attend major international music conferences by providing essential funding to help ease the financial burden of international travel.

Applicants can apply for grants of up to $5,000 AUD

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.

Round 2, 2027

Music conferences occurring in January, February or March 2027

  • Eurosonic (ESNS), Groningen, Netherlands, 13–16 January 2027
  • NYC Winter Jazzfest, New York, United States, January 12–18, 2027
  • Folk Alliance International, Chicago, United States, 27–31 January 2027
  • Bangkok Music City, Bangkok, Thailand, 30–31 January 2027
  • SXSW, Austin, United States, 15–21 March 2027
  • India International Music Week, Mumbai, India, Dates unannounced

Key dates:

Applications open: Monday 7th September, 2026
Applications close: Thursday 15th October, 2026 (5pm AEDT)

Please note that priority will be given to applicants who have not previously received International conference funding. For the full terms and conditions, eligibility criteria, and to apply head to air.org.au/maicc

Not already a member of AIR? Find out if you qualify for AIR Label or Distributor Membership HERE

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1. Which conference are you applying for funding for? (Please indicate the conference, country and dates in the textbox) (Required.)

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2. Are you attending this event with an artist(s) on your roster? (Required.)

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3. Your Full Name (Required.)

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4. Your Mobile Phone Number (Required.)

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5. Your Email Address (Required.)

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6. Your AIR Membership Number (please email monica@air.org.au if you're unsure) (Required.)

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7. Your Business / Company Name and ABN Number (Required.)

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8. Where are you based? (Required.)

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9. What are your preferred gender pronouns?

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10. Your Age (Required.)

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11. Do you identify as any of the following: (Required.)

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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.)

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13. Please provide your labels biography. (1000 characters maximum) (Required.)

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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.)

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15. Please provide link/s (website, socials) for your label and confirm how many Australian artists you represent. (Required.)

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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.)

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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.)

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18. How will you maximise the opportunities in the international market after the event? (1000 characters maximum) (Required.)

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19. Why is funding from the Music Australia International Conference Contribution program valuable to you right now? (1000 characters maximum) (Required.)

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20. Which country will you be departing from, and returning to, to attend this event? (Required.)

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21. What is your funding request? You may request up to $5,000 AUD. (Required.)

$0 $5000
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22. How do you intend to spend the requested funding? Please provide a $ breakdown that reflects the total amount you have requested. (Required.)

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23. Are you receiving co-funding or a financial contribution for this activity from any other source? (Please check all applicable)

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24. Have you received International Conference funding before?

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25. If yes, please specify when you recieved the funding and which conference you attended

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26. Letter of Support #1 (optional)

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27. Letter of Support #2 (optional)

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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.)

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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 membership@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.)

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