Export Funding
With our export programs and projects, we support both musicians and music businesses in the distribution of their repertoire abroad.
As part of our International Live- & Showcase Funding, musicians can apply for financial support for performances abroad. The program International Export Funding for Music Companies supports small and medium-sized businesses as well as individual entrepreneurs in the music industry in expanding their international activities.
Please note:
German is the mandatory language for applications.
International Export Funding for Music Companies
FAQ
Application Form
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.
The 2026-02 funding round was open for application from Monday, June 1, 2026 (12:00 p.m.) to Monday, June 22, 2026 (12:00 p.m.).
Project expected to start on: Calender week 35.
Dates
Contact
Counselling hours:
Monday through Thursday, 10am - 3pm
We are also happy to provide advice in English, Spanish or Catalan. Please note that applications must be submitted in German.
Julia Waldmann (she/her)
Project Management Export
Hanna Kardasch (she/her)
Project Management Export
Daisy Schübel (she/her)
Project Management Export
Florian C. Reinke (he/him)
Project Management Export
International Live and Showcase Funding
FAQ
Application Form
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.
The application process for the International Live and Showcase Funding is open on a ongoing basis from Monday, March 2, 2026 (12:00 PM) until Thursday, November 19, 2026 (12:00 PM). During this period applications can be submitted for projects happening until March 31, 2027.
We recommend submitting applications as early as possible. Only applications that are complete and submitted on time will be considered.
- Application is closed from November 19, 2026, 12:01 PM until January 4, 2027, 12:00 PM
- Applications for projects taking place on or before February 15, 2027 must be submitted no later than November 19, 2026, 12:00 PM (this deadline may differ from the one stated in the program description)
- For projects taking place between February 15, 2027 and March 31, 2027, applications may be submitted either by November 19, 2026 or from January 4, 2027 onwards.
- Please note that, in all cases, applications must be received by us at least six weeks before the first performance
Contact
Counselling hours:
Monday through Thursday, 10am - 3pm
We are also happy to provide advice in English, Spanish or Catalan. Please note that applications must be submitted in German.
Julia Waldmann (she/her)
Project Management Export
Hanna Kardasch (she/her)
Project Management Export
Daisy Schübel (she/her)
Project Management Export
Florian C. Reinke (he/him)
Project Management Export