ARTIST APPLICATIONS
Artist applications are now open for 2026!
Please make sure you apply before they close on July 20th 2025 at 11:59pm.
The National Folk Festival will be held from the 2nd-6th of April, 2026 at Exhibition Park in Canberra, Australia.
Suggestions to make your application process an enjoyable one:
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Click the button below and read the application form
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Everything you need to supply is asked for and explained on the first page
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Have a look, and take the time to prepare your application materials in advance
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Once you have everything compiled, complete the first page and click 'next'
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Read everything on the second page and make sure you click 'submit'
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Check that you have received a confirmation email
Click here to view artist terms and conditions.
Scroll down to read our frequently asked artist questions or join us for one of our online info sessions to learn more and ask our Artistic Directors any questions you may have.
These will be held via Microsoft Teams and are open to all - click the link below:
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📅 Tuesday 17 June, 6:00pm AEST - Join the meeting
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📅 Thursday 10 July, 6:00pm AEST - Join the meeting
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Support/ContactIf after reading through the application form you have unanswered questions or need help applying, please email: artistic.director@folkfestival.org.au
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AccommodationArtists are responsible for their own accommodation, travel and meals, unless otherwise negotiated. On site camping is available to all contracted performers at the National Folk Festival, which may incur a nominal fee in 2026. Artists may choose to bring their own tents and bedding, or pay a discounted rate for a pre-erected rent-a-tent which offers a convenient and comfortable alternative. Additionally, our friends at Canberra Rex Hotel offer special discounted rates for Festival goers, and there are many accomodation providers in Canberra within easy distance to the Festival site. Click here to learn more.
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Choir InformationChoirs add incredible vibrancy to the Festival and their performances offer a wonderful opportunity for patron interactions. Because of this, most choirs will be programmed to perform outdoors in busy areas that allow for patrons moving through the site to enjoy their music. These performances will be busking style, but scheduled to a time and location which may be designed to appear spontaneous or be listed in the Festival program. Some choirs may be scheduled to perform in indoor venues however we ask applicants to understand that they should expect to be offered at least one programmed performance outdoors.
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ContractsThe Festival will supply successful applicants with a standard Festival contract.
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Public LiabilitySuccessful artists will be required to supply a certificate of currency for a current Public Liability Insurance Policy for all members at the time of contracting. Any volunteer artists or groups not receiving a fee will not be required to hold their own Public Liability Insurance Policy and will be covered by the National Folk Festival insurance policy.
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Artist Green RoomThe National Folk Festival provides an Artist Green Room area that offers a comfortable space for down time, tea and coffee facilities, a phone charging station, plus easy access to our Artist Liaison team who can assist with any questions you may have during the Festival. Please note that the National Folk Festival does not offer specific riders for artists.
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Artist and crew ticketsAll contracted artists are provided with an artist ticket redeemable for their wristband on arrival at the Festival site. Any additional tickets for support staff, technical crew or management must be negotiated with the Artistic Directors at the time of contracting.
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Artist family ticketsFamilies are a very important part of our Festival, which offers plenty of things for children and young people to enjoy. All artists are offered discounted tickets for their immediate family. We encourage artists with young children to include any costs and/or supports they may need to participate in the festival in their application.