FAQs
#Application FAQs
Key Dates
Thurs 26 February: Applications open, 11am (AEST)
Wed 1 April: Applications close, 11:59pm (AEST)
Mid June: Successful applicants notified
Tue 1 – Fri 4 September: BIGSOUND - acts must be available to be in Brisbane.
Who should apply to play?
Queensland, Australian and New Zealand-based artists are encouraged to apply. Artists from outside of AU/NZ are welcome to apply but please be aware this is a showcasing event primarily focused on the export potential of Australian and New Zealand artists, and your application will be assessed against this primary criteria.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, First Nations people from countries that are not Australia and those residing in regional and remote communities are strongly encouraged to apply to play, and to also apply for financial support from funding bodies to help facilitate your trip to BIGSOUND.
Is there an application fee to apply?
There is a fee to apply to be a BIGSOUND showcasing artist. Non-QMusic members will be $30. QMusic members will be $20.
How will my application be assessed?
Our aim for BIGSOUND 2026 is to assist showcasing artists with achieving their goals and taking their career to the next level. Whether that be touring overseas, growing your team, showcasing in front of festival bookers from all over the world, or announcing your arrival, we want to foster these opportunities.
It is important for us to focus on outcomes for our showcasing artists. This means the BIGSOUND 2026 Showcase programming team will be assessing applications by gauging what potential outcomes artists may achieve from showcasing. We also want to ensure showcasing artists are capitalising on existing momentum. What have you achieved so far and what will you gain out of BIGSOUND 2026? This is important to keep in mind when applying.
If selected to showcase, will I be paid a performance fee?
There is no set fee for BIGSOUND Showcase spots - rather BIGSOUND is considered a value exchange contract for Artists.
The core purpose of the BIGSOUND Showcase program is to create business outcomes for showcasing artists. As a non-profit venture run to provide opportunities, funds raised by the event are invested back into bringing national and international buyers to Brisbane and curating networking and one-on-one meetings tailored to each artists' needs.
So while showcasing artists are not compensated monetarily, each selected showcase act receives a Delegate Pass (valued at $899). Delegates are able to access all conference, festival and special events, plus performers and crew receive an artist pass which in addition to providing access to their show venues, provides them access to the Artist Hub, a range of professional development opportunities and the BIGSOUND Festival.
All artists are encouraged to apply for funding and grant opportunities to support their attendance at BIGSOUND. The are a range of paid performance spots at BIGSOUND, however this are not considered a part of the Showcase line up and are booked to align with partner activations.
Individuals under 18 will have access to their showcasing venue for their performance only.
Will I get feedback on my application?
The BIGSOUND team is lucky to receive a large number of applications each year and are privileged to listen to an array of diverse and talented artists from across Australia and the world. We would love to be able to provide feedback on all applications, however, due to the capacity of the team, we can only provide feedback to successful applications. Unfortunately, the scope and diversity of applications means that it’s not practical or fair for the assessment panel to provide feedback on individual applications.
Will successful acts receive passes?
Each BIGSOUND Showcasing Act will receive ONE full BIGSOUND delegate pass (valued at $899), allowing them access to all parts of the conference, special events and showcases.
Each performing individual will receive an artist pass granting them access to all showcase venues for official showcases.
Individuals under 18 will have access to their showcasing venue for their performance only.
Can I get a refund if I purchase a delegate pass and am then announced as a showcasing artist?
Yes, the BIGSOUND team will assist in delivering refunds to showcasing artists if required.
Please fill out the BIGSOUND contact form.
Can I apply to Showcase if I am under 18?
People under the age of 18 are welcome to apply and perform in the showcase. If successful, underage performers will be wrist banded and must have a guardian present at all times.
Performers under 18 are only permitted access to their showcase event and will not have entry to the rest of the festival.
#BIGSOUND FAQS
What is BIGSOUND?
Now in its twenty fifth year, BIGSOUND is your annual opportunity to discover the future of Australian music across three days of showcase programming, panel discussions and keynotes.
Can I attend BIGSOUND if I'm under 18?
BIGSOUND is a strictly 18+ event. BIGSOUND will cover topics that might be mature in nature and not appropriate for younger viewers. There is also the possibility of explicit language across some of the sessions or events. Proof of age will be required in all venues after 10pm.
*Showcase performers under the age of 18 with preapproval and strict guardian supervision may be granted an exception.
BIGSOUND is a strictly 18+ event. Anyone purchasing a Student Pass must be 18 for the duration of BIGSOUND 2026.
Student IDs must be valid up for the duration of BIGSOUND 2026.
Student IDs must be presented when collecting delegate passes at the event. If you do not have an ID, you will not be able to collect a pass.
If your student ID is no longer valid at the time of the event, you will be required to pay an additional fee to claim your pass.
All showcase venues are strictly 18+.
Where can I collect my BIGSOUND Delegate pass?
2026 details coming soon!
What does my BIGSOUND Delegate pass get me into?
Entry to all BIGSOUND conference sessions.
Access to official delegate networking and Industry Events.
Entry to all showcase events on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights
Access to BIGSOUND events and after parties.
(18+ venues / subject to capacity restrictions).
Am I guaranteed entry to all events with my Delegate Pass?
The keynotes are very popular and entry is subject to room capacity. We highly recommend you arrive early to all events for a chance to get a spot, however please be aware that entry cannot be guaranteed.
Where do I get my Showcase wristband?
2026 details coming soon!
Is BIGSOUND accessible for individuals with disabilities?
If you have any accessibility or disability related enquiries, please complete the BIGSOUND contact form.
Need assistance during BIGSOUND?
If you need assistance or advice during BIGSOUND please approach one of our friendly staff at the registration desk or one of our volunteers wearing a BIGSOUND t-shirt.
Is there a discount for QMusic members or members of reciprocal organisations?
Yes! But you have to be a current member of certain music organisations.
A discounted Member rate applies to members of QMusic, AAM, AFA, AIR, CBAA, MusicACT, MusicNSW, MusicSA, Music NT, Music Tasmania, Music Victoria, WAM, A2IM, IMNZ, MMF NZ, MPEG.
Membership of the above organisations entitles you to one discounted ticket per membership except where indicated below.
The only membership categories that entitle you to more than one discounted ticket are:
QMusic Business / Organisation membership - maximum FOUR tickets
QMusic Band membership - maximum FOUR tickets
You can obtain your QMusic membership at qmusic.com.au.
N.B. Reciprocal membership of the above organisations entitles you to one (1) discounted ticket per membership except where indicated below.
The only membership categories that entitle you to more than one discounted delegate pass are:
QMusic Business / Organisation membership - maximum FOUR delegate passes
QMusic Band membership - maximum FOUR delegate passes.
You can obtain your QMusic Business / Organisation or Band membership head to the QMusic website www.qmusic.com.au. If you are a member of another music organisation not listed here please complete the BIGSOUND contact form before proceeding with your delegate registration.
Do you give a discount to students?
Yes, we do give a student discount on Delegate passes.
BIGSOUND is a strictly 18+ event. Anyone purchasing a Student Pass must be 18 as at Tuesday September 1, 2026.
Student IDs must be valid up to 4 September, 2026.
Student IDs must be presented when collecting tickets at the event. If you do not have ID, you will not be able to collect a ticket.
If your student ID is no longer valid at the time of the event, you will be required to pay an additional fee to claim your pass ticket. The fee will be the difference between the current ticket price and what you paid.
All showcase venues are strictly 18+.
What happens if I lose my delegate pass?
Lost or stolen tickets (including Delegate lanyards) will not be replaced. A new ticket will need to be purchased at the full rate for continued access to the Event. Please take very good care of your delegate pass and keep with you at all times during the event.
How do I get into the music showcase venues?
Everyone must wear a showcase wristband at all times for entry to all official showcase venues.
Delegates will be issued with a 3-night showcase wristband when collecting their Delegate pass which must be worn throughout the event.
We advise delegates also wear their delegate pass to the venues at night so that they can gain preferential access to venues. Be aware that entry is subject to capacity and cannot be guaranteed.
Music Showcase ticket holders must wear their BIGSOUND Showcase wristbands at all times for entry to all official venues.
All showcase venues are strictly 18+ and are subject to capacity considerations.
Important: Please treat your wristband as cash. BIGSOUND takes no responsibility for wristbands that are removed before the end of the event and will not be replaced.
How do I contact other BIGSOUND delegates?
You will receive a login to the BIGSOUND delegate portal closer to the event. You can access this on the front page of the BIGSOUND website at bigsound.org.au. The Portal allows you to contact other delegates attending the event so be sure to get in touch and plan your meetings ahead of time.
If you can’t find your delegate login please complete the BIGSOUND contact form.
When should I arrive in Brisbane? I need to book my flights and hotel ASAP.
Check out the overview of the BIGSOUND program in Event Information - it shows when things are happening throughout the BIGSOUND week. You can make your travel plans based on this overview.
How do I apply for a media accreditation?
Media passes will be available via application only. Media accreditation will open closer to the event, via the event publicist.
Can I get a refund for my delegate pass?
Yes, up to 1 August 2026 refunds of BIGSOUND Delegate registration may be permitted on a case by case basis. Delegates must notify the organisers in writing no later than 1 August 2026. If a refund is agreed to, a 10% admin charge will be deducted from the refund amount.
After 1 August - BIGSOUND registrations are not refundable.
Is there a discount for group bookings?
Yes! BIGSOUND offers a special rate for group bookings of 8 or more.
Tickets will be pre invoiced and the Delegate portal access is only available when tickets are fully paid. If tickets are not paid within 14 days, the discount request will be cancelled.
Conflict of Interest Process
QMusic is committed to a fair assessment process for all artist applications and maintains a Conflict of Interest Register for all staff, contractors and board members. A conflict of interest is where an employee, contractor or board member has private interests that could improperly influence, or be seen to influence, their decisions or actions in the performance of their public duties.
All artist submissions are checked against the Conflict of Interest Register and in the event of a conflict, alternative advisors or programmers are utilised for the submission to ensure it is not assessed by anyone who has a conflict. We engage multiple assessors to avoid conflicts of interest and to assist with selecting the best possible artists for BIGSOUND.
