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Reference: National Arts CouncilUpdated 2/5/2026

Market and Audience Development (MAD) Grant

Non-Profit: Up to 70% of budget, cap $70,000/FY; For-Profit: Up to 50% of budget, cap $70,000/FY; Airfare/Freight: Up to 100% (3 travel grants/FY)

The NAC Market and Audience Development (MAD) Grant supports activities to build audiences, patrons and supporters to complement artistic efforts at home and abroad. The grant covers marketing initiatives, branding, market research, international touring, and participation in international festivals. The MAD Grant provides different funding rates for non-profit and for-profit organisations, with special provisions for international travel support. Updated guidelines from December 2024 include revised submission deadlines and eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 01

    Arts practitioners and organisations (both non-profit and for-profit eligible)

  • 02

    Projects must focus on building audiences, patrons and supporters

  • 03

    Marketing and audience development activities or international collaborations

  • 04

    Participation in international festivals, trade fairs, biennales, or visit programmes

How to Apply

1. Review updated guidelines from 14 December 2024 2. Prepare project proposal covering marketing/international activities 3. Submit application through NAC portal 4. Applications assessed based on audience development potential and market impact

Claims and Disbursement

Standard NAC claims procedures apply with different rates for projects vs. travel components. Progress reporting and final outcomes documentation required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Non-profit organisations receive up to 70% funding while for-profit organisations receive up to 50% for projects (excluding travel).

Up to 100% funding for airfare/freight, up to 70%/50% for associated travel costs. Maximum 3 travel grants per financial year.

Market research, branding and marketing, international collaborations, touring, festivals, trade fairs, and media visit programmes.

No, competition/conference funding should go through the Capability Development Grant.