MusicNSW is looking for tour-ready acts based in regional NSW to join five Regional Tours.
This opportunity is best suited to artists that have played shows in their hometown and developed a local following, and who are ready to take their live show to new venues and audiences.
Selected artists will participate in one of five tours taking place in regional NSW and have the chance to build hands-on touring experience with support from MusicNSW’s Regional Coordinators. You'll also get an album of professional photos from one of your shows and a financial subsidy to contribute to artist fees and marketing costs.
This program aims to develop new touring routes, connect artists and industry and build touring skills across regional NSW.
“I wish I could jump on this train every 6 months to smash some more projects! What a great ride it has been…I have a new single out and an album around the corner BECAUSE OF THIS SUPPORT.”
- Shelly Brown, The Rising North Tour 2025
"Regional touring plays an incredibly important role in the healthiness of live original music, and we'd recommend MusicNSW's regional touring program to anyone committed to their craft."
- Boudicca, Metal Tour 2025
WHO CAN APPLY
This opportunity is for artists who are:
- Based in regional NSW*
- Performing new and original contemporary music - all genres welcome
- Can be solo, duo or band of up to 6 members
- Ready to perform at least 45 minutes of original songs
*For the purposes of this application, applicants must have been based in Regional NSW for a minimum of 12 months. Regional NSW includes all local government areas outside of Sydney, Western Sydney, Newcastle LGA and Wollongong LGA or regional cities with a population less than 100,000. If your band includes members that do not live in the same town, at least 50% of the band members must reside in regional NSW.
KEY DATES
The five tours will take place across September - October 2026 (tour dates and locations to be confirmed with selected artists).
Applications open: 3 March 2026
Applications close: at 11:59pm (AEST) on 7 April 2026
Applicants will be notified by: early May 2026
HOW TO APPLY
We are accepting one application per act/band. You will need to complete this form where you can provide links to your act's music, a live performance video, bio & social media links before 11:59PM on 7 April 2026.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
One of my bandmates lives in Sydney/Wollongong/Newcastle, can I still apply?
To be eligible, at least 50% of the band members must reside in regional NSW and been residing in regional NSW for a minimum of 12 months. Regional NSW includes all local government areas outside of Sydney, Western Sydney, Newcastle LGA and Wollongong LGA or regional cities with a population less than 100,000.
WHAT ARE THE KEY DATES?
The five tours will take place across September - October 2026 (tour dates and locations to be confirmed with selected artists).
- Applications open: 3 March 2026
- Applications close: at 11:59pm (AEST) on 7 April 2026
- Applicants will be notified: by early May 2026
I am a solo artist, can I still apply?
Yes, MusicNSW welcomes applications from solo artists, duos, trios, and bands (maximum 6 members).
Where will the tours take place?
Tour dates and venues will be confirmed with participating artists.
What kind of support will MusicNSW provide?
Each act will receive:
- Performance subsidies ($250 per artist per performance e.g. a 3-piece act will be paid a subsidy of $750 per performance)
- An album of professional photos from one performance
- Tailored professional development and support from a MusicNSW Regional Coordinator
- Guidance, including templates for budgeting, planning and logistics, and promoting your tour
- Support from MusicNSW promoting your tour and a contribution to marketing costs
Will participating artists have to pay for anything?
MusicNSW will provide performance subsidies and contribute to marketing costs for all tours. Performance subsidies are calculated at $250 per band member per show.
Where additional costs arise, such as travel expenses (petrol, car hire etc), accommodation and production, these must be covered by participating artists.
Can we ticket the shows?
This will be confirmed with selected artists when venues are locked in for their tour.
What genre of music are you looking for?
Artists from any genre are welcome to apply.
How many gigs will I get to play?
Selected artists will get to perform at up to three shows.
I have more than 1 band, can I apply more than once?
Yes. You’ll need to complete a separate application for each act/band and use a different email address for each application.
How will applications be assessed?
Applications will be assessed by MusicNSW with consideration for quality of application, location (geographical spread across regional NSW), travel distance required, representation from a range of genres, diversity of applicants and other factors that may arise which the team considers relevant.
STILL GOT QUESTIONS?
Click here to book a 15 minute catch up where you can get your questions answered and discuss your application.
Photo credit (in order of appearance): 2025 MusicNSW Tour participants Sunday Lemonade by Wanagi Zable-Andrews, Shelly Brown by Hamish McCormick & Boudicca by Steel City.