NZ On Air, with support from the NZ Music Commission, is proud to announce a new initiative to aid Aotearoa’s music scene: the New Music Project Touring fund.
This pilot fund is designed to help local artists take their music on the road, connecting with audiences across the motu through live performances to promote their album or EP release.
The New Music Project Touring initiative will provide between $10,000 and $50,000 per successful application, depending on the scale of the tour, to support a headline national tour for an NZ On Air New Music Project-funded album or EP. A total of $500,000 will be available in this first pilot round.
“Live performance is a vital part of how audiences connect with music,” says NZ On Air Head of Music, Teresa Patterson. “This initiative recognises the importance of touring to promote a new body of work, as well as building fanbases and audiences. We’re excited to help more audiences across Aotearoa experience the incredible music being made right here.”
The funding is open to artists who have received NZ On Air New Music Project (NMP) funding and have not yet released their project or announced a tour. It will cover a range of touring costs including transport, accommodation, marketing, production, venue hire and session musician fees.
“NMP funding supports the creation, release and promotion of new music and this initiative will support the live promotion of that music. We have been told by the music community that the cost of touring has become prohibitive, as it’s a major financial undertaking with a lot of risk. This funding will help bridge the gap between recording and releasing music and reaching audiences.”
Applications can be submitted by artists, managers, artist representatives, booking agents or tour promoters – with the requirement that funding must benefit the artist directly.
The New Music Project Touring fund is led by NZ On Air and supported by the NZ Music Commission, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening Aotearoa’s music ecosystem.
“Live performance is an incredibly important part of building an audience for artists, so it is great that NZ On Air has committed these funds to help artists promote their recordings. This pilot programme will really help to maximise the promotion and grow audiences across Aotearoa for New Music Project recipients,” says Cath Andersen, Chief Executive of the NZ Music Commission.
Artist manager Pippa Ryan-Kidd says that being able to add more ways for the industry to build visibility for new music releases is a great initiative.
"In Aotearoa, our musicians are privileged to have opportunity to access funding through our various music industry bodies. This funding can allow for creation, promotion and the overall visibility of our music in Aotearoa today. This visibility is vitally important in today's market where global platforms dominate. We are incredibly grateful for these opportunities, and the New Music Project Programme is an important goal for many artists.”
Full details on how to apply, including guidelines and FAQs, are available on both the NZ On Air and NZ Music Commission websites.