International Resources

Outward Sound is a matched investment programme, where we invest in the international careers of NZ artists and support NZ music businesses to take music from Aotearoa to the world.

Bands, composers, songwriters, producers, companies and solo artists can all apply for Outward Sound support, which is a 50% contribution towards approved eligible costs. The programme is inclusive of music from all genres and styles, and is also open to applicants at different stages of international market development – from reaching a new global market or building and developing an existing global market.

To learn more about Outward Sound, please see our Outward Sound section here.

We have published our Outward Sound Application Deadlines for 2025. These deadlines include all five Outward Sound rounds for 2025, as well as our International Delegate rounds for BIGSOUND 2025 and WOMEX 2025.

INTERNATIONAL MUSIC MARKET DEVELOPMENT/BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
APPLICATION DEADLINES

ROUND TWO 2025
Deadline: March 3rd 2025
Funding Decisions: April 15th 2025

ROUND THREE 2025
Deadline: May 12th 2025
Funding Decisions: July 15th 2025

ROUND FOUR 2025
Deadline: July 28th 2025
Funding Decisions: September 16th 2025

ROUND FIVE 2025
Deadline: October 13th 2025
Funding Decisions: December 9th 2025

ROUND ONE 2026
Deadline: December 15th 2025
Funding Decisions: February 10th 2026

INTERNATIONAL DELEGATE
APPLICATION DEADLINES

BIGSOUND | SEPTEMBER 2-5 2025 | BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA
Deadline: June 16th 2025
Funding Decisions: July 8th 2025

WOMEX | OCTOBER 25-29, 2025 | TAMPERE, FINLAND
Deadline: July 7th 2025
Funding Decisions: August 5th 2025

Applications must be received by 5:00PM NZST on the closing dates (no exceptions) with the relevant application form and supporting documents.

The Outward Sound budget is extremely limited. Applications are carefully assessed to ensure they meet the criteria, and that the project/activity involved has been thoroughly planned and has good prospects for commercial success.