The Northern Territory Government invites Territory artists, arts groups, arts and community organisations to apply for funding for arts projects starting from 1 January 2011. Support is offered for the following categories:

A bunch of funding opportunities for NT musicians have fallen into our laps here at Music NT. So we thought we’d share the news! Go hard…

SONIC BIDS

Music NT and Sonic Bids have partnered to give one Northern Territory band an opportunity to showcase at the Fuse Festival in Adelaide in early 2011.  The winner also receives $1500 towards getting them there so its a good deal.  To submit head to http://www.sonicbids.com/MusicNTFuse

While we are on Sonic Bids, there are a number of other opportunities that are available if you are a Sonic Bids member…

• SXSW = South By South West.

Possibly the most influential music event of the year. 13,000 professionals and thousands and thousands more fans all in Austin, Texas, USA, in March 2011. Last year’s festival included these Aussie bands: Cassette Kids, Children Collide, City Riots, Dappled Cities, Darren Hanlon, Grand Atlantic, Karnivool, Nathan Gaunt, Oh Mercy, Shannon Bourne, Sherlock’s Daughter, the Chevelles, the Middle East, Via Tania, Washington, and more! Click here for more information on playing SXSW Music and Media Conference! http://sonicbids.com/sxsw

• Fuse Festival – Adelaide.

Fuse Festival is the longest running music business event in Australia that attracts world class, music industry professionals. From February 16th-18th 2011 Fuse showcases the best new talent from across the country- 70 acts in 20 venues over two nights will be selected through Sonicbids platform. http://www.sonicbids.com/fusefestival

• The International Songwriting Competition.

The ISC is looking for great songs and songwriters – so, whether you’re a professional songwriter or just starting out, ISC welcomes your entries. With over $150,000 in cash and prizes including a $25,000 cash prize to the 2010 Overall Grand Prize winner, ISC is the premier international songwriting competition in the world. ISC offers more categories, the largest cash Grand Prize, more international winners, and has the most prestigious judges of any songwriting competition. Other Australian and New Zealand-based ISC winners have included Kate Miller-Heidke, Gin Wigmore, The Living End, Sara Blasko, Josh Pike, Faker, Eskimo Joe, Sneaky Sound System, Bob Evans, Troy Cassar Daley, Gotye, Augie March, and Shihad. To find out more details and submit your songs, please visit www.sonicbids.com/isc.

• Other great opportunities currently open on Sonicbids are:

Bluesfest, Rock the Schools, Rhythm And Vines (NZ)

AUSTRALIA COUNCIL

• LIVE ON STAGE – MUSIC INTERNATIONAL SHOWCASE PROGRAM – MARKET DEVELOPMENT

ONGOING – at least eight weeks prior to activity
The Live on Stage program provides travel support for professional musicians (and their manager/representative) selected to showcase original Australian music at key international music trade fairs and international festivals.

• MUSIC BOUND – QUICK RESPONSE TRAVEL FUND

ONGOING – as much lead time as possible prior to activity
The ‘music bound quick response travel fund’ helps Indigenous music coordinators attend professional development opportunities in Australia.

• ARTSTART – MUSIC

Closing Date: Monday 4 October 2010
The ArtStart program provides financial assistance to artists who have recently graduated in creative arts to help them establish a professional arts practice or gain employment as an artist.

• INTERNATIONAL PATHWAYS – MUSIC

Closing Date: Monday 29 November 2010
International Pathways supports international touring by Australian musicians performing predominantly original Australian music. It assists with the development of markets and audiences through live performance where there is little likelihood of short or medium-term commercial success.

• NEW WORK

Closing Date: Tuesday 16 November 2010
New Work grants support one-off projects that involve the creation or development of music, new musical material or media arts projects.

• PRESENTATION & PROMOTION – MUSIC

Closing Date: Tuesday 16 November 2010
Presentation and Promotion grants support one-off projects that present, publish, distribute and/or market quality music of any style.

ARTS NT

• QUICK RESPONSE SCHEME

Ongoing
Offers up to $1,500 per grant to a max of $2,000 per financial year to access arts and cultural opportunities as they arise, in a flexible and responsive manner.

• COMMUNITY GRANTS

Ongoing
Offer up to $5000 to support community arts activities with a strong focus on community involvement in all stages of the project.

• COMMUNITY FESTIVALS FUND

Ongoing
Supports established and emerging regional and remote community festivals to develop and present artistic programs anc cultural maintenance initiatives in community arts celebrations by offering up to $20,000 per year for up to three years.

• REGIONAL ARTS FUND RESPONSE SCHEME

Ongoing
Supports art projects that cannot be applied to within the project rounds due to their time critical nature with up to $1,500.

The Australia Council for the Arts Music Board Grant Round applications close on the 1st April.  For more information head to their website

The Regional Arts Fund Grants Round closes on the 15th March. Contact Arts NT for more information.

The Arts NT March round is closing on Monday 1st March and the Regional Arts Fund is closing on the 15th March.  If you are planning on submitting get in touch with Arts NT now to make sure you have all the information.  This round is for activities occurring after the 1st July and is a great opportunity to get some support to help you achieve your goals.  For more info head to Arts NT