MUSIC AUSTRALIA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CONTRIBUTION – INDEPENDENT LABELS AND DISTRIBUTORS ROUND FIVE NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS - Australian Independent Record Labels Association

The Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR), in partnership with Sounds Australia, is pleased to announce the opening of round five of the Music Australia International Conference Contribution (MAICC) – Labels and Australian Distributors Program for conferences taking place from January 1 to March 31 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.

ROUND 5, 2026: Provides funding for conferences occurring in 1 January - 31 March 2026

For details about this program, including key dates, the application process, eligibility criteria and more, please see below. For any further questions, please contact: monica@air.org.au

Round 5, 2026 (Conferences occurring between 1 January - 31 March 2026):

Eurosonic, Groningen, NL (Jan 14 - 17)
NYC Winter Jazzfest, New York, US (Jan - Dates TBC)
Folk Alliance International, New Orleans, US (Jan 21 - 25)
India International Music Week, Goa, IN (Dates TBC)
SXSW, Texas, US (Mar 12 - 18)
Bangkok Music City, Bangkok, TH (Dates TBC)

ROUND 5 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

Applications open: Monday 6th October, 2025

Applications close: Monday 20th October, 2025 (5pm AEST)

Contributions of up to $5000 AUD will be awarded to selected Australian-owned and operated independent labels and distributors who have been established for a minimum of two years. Funding will help cover essential costs associated with their attendance and international activity at their chosen event, such as travel expenses, accommodation and event registration costs.

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 CLICK HERE.

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