Export Funding

The International Tour Funding supports musicians and bands residing in Germany for special performances abroad. The goal is to facilitate artists’ entry into the international music market or assist them in further establishing themselves there. An independent jury of experts from the music industry will decide on the submitted project proposals.

A financial grant for travel and marketing expenses can be awarded for a maximum of 15 performances, including support shows, appearances at music festivals, showcases, or on TV and radio broadcasts.

The funding focuses on high-selling target markets such as the USA, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Europe – particularly the UK, France, the Benelux countries, and the Nordic countries. Other countries may be considered as target markets under certain circumstances, provided that sound carrier releases or other sustainable market-ready activities can be verified there.

GO! Export supports small and medium-sized businesses, as well as individual entrepreneurs in the music industry, in expanding their international activities. The program funds international travel that is part of a well-developed export strategy, such as attending international showcase festivals and industry meetings in target countries where the business is not or minimally represented.

The aim of the International Export Funding for Music Companies is to strengthen the international competitiveness of music companies based in Germany. This is achieved by supporting both self-initiated measures and participation in international industry events, enabling companies to explore new markets and build sustainable contacts and networks.

Priority is given to activities in target countries where the company and/or its artists have so far been underrepresented or not represented at all, but can already demonstrate an existing following or contacts through agents, management, or social media.

International Live and Showcase Funding supports live performances abroad by performing artists and bands working in the fields of popular music and jazz. By bridging financial gaps, this funding program enables emerging musical acts from Germany to accept short-notice invitations to international performance opportunities that, with sufficient professional prospects, offer exceptional chances for market entry and further career development.

The program focuses particularly on participation in international showcase festivals and live performances abroad aimed primarily at professional industry audiences, as well as support tours overseas that contribute to long-term establishment in a new international target market.

Applications for other types of performances—such as release tours, self-organised tours, or general festival and club shows—can be submitted through the Artist Funding program of Initiative Musik.