Music Commission News

The Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono working in partnership with the New Zealand Music Commission invites applications from both experienced and emerging New Zealand music leaders to join a delegation to Mumbai, India, from 6–13 February 2027.

The delegation will centre on India International Music Week (IIMW), with conference and showcase participation complemented by industry meetings, site visits and cultural orientation. It offers a first exploration of India’s music sector and an opportunity to build relationships that can lead to sustained, two-way connections.

India brings together many music scenes, languages and audiences. Mumbai offers an entry point into its entertainment industry, including live music, recorded music, film music and digital platforms. Delegates will be encouraged to understand the priorities of local partners and explore reciprocal opportunities relevant to their work.

Who this opportunity is for

We welcome applications from both experienced music professionals and emerging music leaders who can use new knowledge and relationships to create opportunities for New Zealand artists and the wider music sector. Applicants may include:

• Music programmers, promoters, managers and agents
• Independent label operators and music business owners
• Venue, festival and showcase leaders
• Music-sector organisations and other industry connectors

We are seeking a mix of career stages and perspectives. We are particularly interested in people who work across several roles, are curious and collaborative, and have the capacity to develop ongoing relationships. Applicants may work within an organisation, run their own business or work independently.

This delegation is designed as an introduction to India’s music sector, for participants with limited or no previous experience working in or with India. It is not intended for those who already have extensive knowledge of India or established professional networks within the Indian music sector.

Applicants should explain how their role, networks and projects position them to build on the visit and share its benefits with the wider New Zealand music sector.

This is an industry development delegation. It is not a funded performance tour, and participation does not guarantee an artist showcase, booking or commercial agreement.

About India International Music Week

IIMW is a music-industry conference and showcase platform that brings together Indian and international music professionals. Its programme offers opportunities for industry discussion, networking and discovery of artists, providing a starting point for connections with managers, labels, promoters, festivals and other music businesses.
The delegation is planned around IIMW from 9–11 February 2027. The Foundation and NZ Music Commission will work together on a coordinated New Zealand presence.

Exploring India through Mumbai
India brings together many music scenes, languages and audiences. Mumbai offers an entry point into its entertainment industry, including live music, recorded music, film music and digital platforms. Delegates will be encouraged to understand the priorities of local partners and explore reciprocal opportunities relevant to their work.

Delegation programme
The programme will combine IIMW participation with introductions, industry briefings, visits to relevant organisations and venues, and time for individual meetings and research. A New Zealand networking event is also envisaged. Activities remain subject to programme development.

Saturday 6 February: Depart Auckland and arrive in Mumbai.
Sunday 7 February: Mumbai orientation and group preparation.
Monday 8 February: Industry visits and networking.
Tuesday 9 – Thursday 11 February: Final industry meetings and follow-up; depart Mumbai.
Saturday 13 February: Arrive back in New Zealand.

Travel timings are subject to flight arrangements. Delegates must be available for the full programme and both pre-departure briefings.

Purpose and expected outcomes

The delegation is part of the Foundation’s Arts Experiences Delegation Programme. It builds on the music delegations to Tokyo International Music Market in 2024 and AXEAN in Indonesia in 2025.

The programme will support delegates to:

• Develop an understanding of India’s music industry and the opportunities and challenges of working there
• Build relationships with Indian artists, managers, labels, festivals, promoters and other industry organisations
• Explore future touring, showcases, collaborations, publishing and digital opportunities
• Develop reciprocal connections and practical follow-up with Indian partners
• Share learning, contacts and opportunities with the wider New Zealand music sector
The emphasis is on learning and relationships that can develop over time. Applicants should be open to discovering opportunities beyond their existing projects and priorities.
 
What is covered

The Foundation will cover costs associated with:

• Return economy flights between New Zealand and Mumbai
• Accommodation during the official programme
• Required visa costs for the official visit
• Entry to scheduled programme activities and official group transport

A daily allowance will be provided to assist with meals and incidental expenses.

Successful applicants are responsible for travel insurance, passport costs, transfers to and from their nearest New Zealand airport, personal expenses, and any travel or accommodation outside the official programme.

Additional activities before or after the delegation are at the delegate’s own expense and must allow full participation in the official programme.

Eligibility and selection

Applicants must:
• Be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
• Work in a music-sector leadership, decision-making or connecting role, with the ability to develop ongoing international relationships
• Explain how the visit could benefit their work and the wider New Zealand music sector
• Attend both pre-departure briefings and the full delegation, and be able to undertake international travel
• Contribute communications content during the visit and participate in post-delegation reporting and sharing of learning

Selection will consider the applicant’s experience, capacity for follow-up, openness to reciprocal relationships, likely benefit from the visit, and contribution to a varied group of music-sector perspectives.

How to apply

Apply through the Foundation’s online application form. You will be asked for your contact details, a short professional biography, information about your organisation or independent practice, and your intended outcomes.

Key dates

Applications close: 19 October
Selection confirmed: 9 November
Online pre-departure briefings: 2 December and 27 January
Delegation travel: 6-13 December

To apply and for the full Terms & Conditions, visit the Asia New Zealand Foundation website here.

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