Travel grant
Projects abroad for choirs, amateur and newcomer ensembles

The creativity and commitment of amateur and newcomer musicians are a vital feature of the German music scene. Amateur and “next-generation” ensembles whose above-average musical attainments that have already attracted notice – whether in competitions or concerts – and are planning music projects abroad may be eligible for a Goethe-Institut grant to cover part of their travel expenses.

Close-up of microphones in foreground with a choir of women in black dresses singing in the background. Goethe-Institut

Conditions of Funding

We fund amateur and newcomer ensembles as well as choirs from Germany that are planning a music project abroad.

We provide funding for music projects abroad involving musical styles and arrangements of any kind.

For the sake of sustainability, we do not fund short trips. Your music project should include at least three events (concerts, workshops, panels, etc.).

Benefit projects (fundraisers), tourist travel, folklore events, trips to German-speaking countries, religious or ideological content are not eligible for funding.

  • The applying ensemble must possess a high level of musicianship.
  • Cultural importance of the project for the host country
  • Artistic exchange must be central to the project.
  • Coherent programme and planning
  • Invitation from partner in the host country citing its support in the form of e.g. room and board, transport, publicity, use of practice rooms, concert halls etc.
  • As a rule, we do not fund projects in full. So, before submission of your application, the bulk of the funding for your project should be secured by the participants' own contributions and/or public/private-sector grants.
  • We do not pay fees to amateur or newcomer musicians.
  • Consideration of sustainability criteria in the choice of means of transport: We prefer to support rail travel, especially within Europe for travel times of up to seven hours. We assess the eligibility of additional costs compared to air fares.

  • Completed application form
  • Detailed project description
  • Recent audio sample (link)
  • Self-description of the ensemble including the musical director’s CV
  • Detailed timetable and schedule
  • Concert programme
  • Official confirmation from a partner abroad specifying support to be provided on location
  • Two quotes for travel fares (from Internet portals, travel agencies, coach operators, etc.) as proof of a particularly inexpensive itinerary
  • In the case of air travel, the offer with the lowest CO2 emissions is to be included as well
  • Numbered list of participants, stating each’s function in the project, date of birth (youth ensembles) and place of residence

Projects for which travel arrangements (e.g. flights) have already been booked before applying for a grant are generally not eligible for funding. So, before making any binding reservations, you must submit an informal request for a dispensation to make advance travel arrangements. Bear in mind, however, that this dispensation does not constitute a promise to award any funding.

Please take note of our privacy policy.

Next application deadline

Applications for funding for music projects abroad must be received at least three months before the project is to start.

Contact

Goethe-Institut e.V.
Music Division | Amateur & Newcomer Talents
musikfoerderung@goethe.de Tel. +49 89 15921-346

Sustainability and inclusion

Making music projects sustainable is a high priority for us. So we’d be glad to advise you on ways to minimize your project’s carbon footprint.

Another high priority is to help people with disabilities take part in arts and culture.

If you have any questions in this regard or need assistance with the application process, feel free to contact us.

Recommendations for climate- and resource-friendly travel in the Music Division funding programmes:​​​​​​​

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