In mid-February the NZ Music Commission announced the Outward Sound 2026 Round 1 grant recipients. Outward Sound provides assistance for market development initiatives, encouraging and supporting the entry of New Zealand music and musicians into global markets. 

There were 19 international music market development grant recipients this round:

9lives for a UK/European tour supporting Lancey Foux
Southeast for Australian business meetings in support of roster
EDY for a writing and producing trip across Australia
Theia for a Canadian tour including festivals
Kaylee Bell for the renewal of US visas
Bic Runga for an Australian tour in support of her ‘Red Sunset’ album
Vera Ellen for supporting Yumi Zouma on their European tour
Hemi Hemingway for a tour of UK/Europe incl. The Great Escape
Xile for supporting Gideon on their UK tour
ratbag for UK performances incl. The Great Escape
Elliot & Vincent for UMO North America tour support
Written By Wolves for Solence UK/Europe tour support
Office Dog for UK/Europe tour incl. The Great Escape
Kiki Rockwell for headline tour of Europe
Corrella for festival performances in Australia
Heard & Seen artist collaborations and international partnerships
Ringlets for debut tour of the UK/Europe, incl. The Great Escape
Aidan Fine for US market development visit

Round 2 of Outward Sound 2026 is currently open for applications. Applications close 2 March 2026.