QMusic opens applications for $60,000 in music scholarships for Queensland artists – Mixdown Magazine
QMusic has opened applications for its annual suite of music scholarships, offering $60,000 in funding across four awards designed to support Queensland musicians at different stages of their careers.
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Each scholarship is valued at $15,000 and funded by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. Applications close 8 January 2026 at 11:59pm with no extensions available. Winners will be announced at the 2026 Queensland Music Awards.
Indigenous Australian solo artists or bands can apply for the Dennis ‘Mop’ Conlon Scholarship to develop and record new material while building their music careers. Rudy Matory, Dean Brady and Kristal West are among previous recipients.
The Carol Lloyd Award supports female-identifying or gender diverse solo artists with funding for either a full-length album or an EP plus tour. Dana Gehrman, Platonic Sex, Hope D, and Sahara Beck have all received the award in past years.
Solo artists, duos, or bands ready to level up can pursue the Billy Thorpe Scholarship. Beyond the grant, recipients get face time with Chugg Entertainment representatives and ongoing monthly support from QMusic to actually implement their plans rather than just dream about them. Lottie McLeod, Miles Nautu, Sam Hales and Beckah Amani have all made the most of this opportunity.
The Grant McLennan Fellowship awards solo artists or duos funding to travel to New York, London or Berlin for cultural immersion and artistic skill development. Previous recipients include Moreton, Sahara Beck and Kate Herrington.
Wolfe Peterson, the 2025 Grant McLennan Fellowship recipient, says: “This Fellowship is a truly unique opportunity and understands the importance of new creative horizons to an artist. Grant was a champion of the arts and a pillar of the Brisbane music scene, which has shaped me over the last 20 years.”
Applications are open now here. Don’t miss the 8 January 2026 deadline – these opportunities don’t come around often.
