Applications Open from 27 APRIL – 22 JUNE 2026
check Eligibility for the bush bands general stream
Search below to see if you live in a Remote or Very Remote Area
Terms and conditions
- Eligibility is based on Creative Australia’s Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia (ARIA).
- To qualify, artists must be living in a Remote or Very Remote area, as defined by ARIA. (check if you are eligible in the above search)
- Female artists from anywhere in the NT are eligible to apply.
- Bush Bands is an application-only process, with applications opening annually in April.
bush bands General Stream
The Bush Bands General Stream is for male, female, or mixed-gendered First Nations Australian bands and solo artists from remote or very remote areas of Australia. You must be available from 9–13 September 2026.
divas stream
The Bush Bands Divas stream is for solo female singers, all-female groups, or female-led mixed-gender, First Nations Australian bands who want extra support. This stream includes additional one-on-one mentorship and rehearsal time with professional session musicians. You must be available from 8–13 September 2026.
What do I need to Apply?
Bush Bands 2026 General Stream
You need to have your application in by 22 June 2026 – We don’t take late applications.
Applying for Bush Bands is very competitive – Try to get the best quality recordings and photos that you can.
YOU NEED TO SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING:
- The names, ages, and instruments of all of your band members.
- A contact person for your band and an email and phone number for them.
- 2 Songs – Please supply .wav files. MP3 is OK if you can’t get .wav files.
- 2 Photos of the Band – Get the most recent photos you can.
- Band Biography – This is the story of your band, how long your band has been together, any gigs you have played and what the band has been doing.
- YouTube links to any of your performances or music videos if you have any.
- If your band gets chosen for Bush Bands, everyone needs to agree to stay at Bush Bands Business the whole time. If you leave for any reason, this includes football and gigs, you won’t be allowed to play at the concert.
Apply via bushbands.com
If you need help with your application, please contact Zoe, the Bush Bands Coordinator, on 0475 216 586 or bushbands@musicnt.com.au
MusicNT: Alice Springs Office 08 8952 0322 – Darwin Office 08 8981 1995
Important dates:
bush bands business 9 – 13 september 2026
bush bands bash – 13 september 2026, telegraph station, mparntwe
Bush Bands 2026 divas Stream
The Divas stream is designed female-identifying performers. Divas may include female solo artists, all female bands, female led mixed-gender bands. You will still do the full Bush Bands Business workshops with the other bands, but you will receive extra one-on-one support from three female mentors and professional session musicians to help you prepare for the Bush Bands Bash concert.
APPLICATIONS OPEN 27 APRIL 2026
APPLICATIONS CLOSE 22 JUNE 2026
You need to have your application in by 22 June 2026 – We don’t take late applications.
YOU NEED TO SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING:
- The names, ages, and instruments of all of your band members. Your act must include at least one female member (generally the Lead Singer) and identify as First Nations.
- A contact person for your act and an email and phone number for them.
- 1 or 2 Songs: Please supply .wav files. MP3 is OK if you can’t get .wav files.
- 1 or 2 Photos: Get the most recent photos of the band or artist that you can.
- Band/Artist Biography: This is the story of your music, how long you have been together, any gigs you have played and what you have been doing.
- YouTube links: Send links to any of your performances or music videos if you have any.
- Soloists must tell us if they have their own backing tracks or if they want to lead the live session band.
- You need to have 15–20 minutes of your own songs ready to play.
- If you are chosen for Bush Bands, everyone needs to agree to stay at Bush Bands Business the whole time. If you leave for any reason, this includes football and gigs, you won’t be allowed to play at the concert.
If you need help with your application, please contact Zoe the Bush Bands Coordinator on:
Mobile: 0475 216 586 – Email: bushbands@musicnt.com.au
MusicNT: Alice Springs Office 08 8952 0322 Darwin Office 08 8981 1995