Creative Scotland has published guidance for the International Touring Fund for Music, a £300,000 Scottish Government pilot to help Scotland-based musicians, bands and ensembles take up invitations to perform overseas.
Applications open at 2pm on Wednesday 18 November 2026. Artists can apply for up to £15,000, with eligible personal access costs considered separately.
The fund was first announced by the Scottish Government in March following discussions with the music sector, including the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), Showcase Scotland Expo and Wide Events. It responds to rising touring costs and the additional administration artists face when performing overseas since Brexit.
What the pilot is designed to support?
An overseas booking can give artists a chance to build on an audience they’ve already started to reach or develop a relationship with a promoter who could bring them back.
Even when a fee has been agreed, the cost of getting musicians and equipment across borders can leave a gap in the budget that determines whether the dates go ahead.
The fund can contribute towards costs such as economy travel, freight, visas and accommodation. Creative Scotland will prioritise invitations with strong potential to raise an artist’s international profile or open up new markets for their work.
It will also consider whether further dates could be programmed around the confirmed performances. The one-year pilot will help inform plans for similar support across other artforms.
What to check before applying?
The fund is open to musicians, bands and ensembles living and working in Scotland. You’ll need confirmed invitations from at least two established promoters or festivals for performances during the same overseas visit. Letters or emails from the hosts should confirm the agreed fees and any other financial contributions, such as accommodation or travel.
Creative Scotland asks for a balanced Excel budget for the whole tour, including costs outside the grant’s scope.
It should show what each host is covering and how you’ll meet the minimum 10% match funding requirement, which can be met in cash or in kind. You’ll also need a link to your electronic press kit.
The full guidance sets out the detailed eligibility rules, eligible costs and assessment criteria.
When is the deadline?
There is no fixed closing date. Applications will be assessed in the order they are received until the pilot budget is fully allocated. Creative Scotland encourages artists to apply as soon as they have their confirmed invitations and a complete application.
You must apply at least four weeks before your activity starts. Decisions can take up to four weeks after your application passes its eligibility check.
Check that all supporting materials are included before you send your application, as Creative Scotland won’t accept amendments or additional materials after submission.
Full guidance, application form and useful links
- Read the full Creative Scotland guidance and find the application form. Start here to check whether your activity is eligible and what you need to submit.
- Find out how to request application access support. Creative Scotland accepts applications and supporting materials in English, Gaelic and Scots. Alternative formats are available on request.