National Celtic Folk Festival Artist EOI

Applications for the National Celtic Folk Festival 2026 are now open.

Closing on Friday 16 January 2026

Notifications will be provided up until the end of March 2026.

Please read the Artist Application Guidelines and then complete the application online. Contact us to discuss your application if needed director@nationalcelticfestival.com

The festival showcases the best of Celtic & Folk culture from across Australia and Internationally. Preference is given to artists / performers who align with our vision – to host a premier event of national significance that provides an authentic expression of culture across the Arts – music, song, dance, theatre, storytelling, ceremony etc. At the heart of the festival is community with a focus on inclusivity and participation. The festival encompasses both traditional and contemporary interpretations within the Australian Folk setting and supports the sustainability of the culture in a contemporary context.

ONE MUSIC Music Report

• The festival holds a Licence with ONE MUSIC which authorises the performance in public of works subject to copyright.
• All Artists must complete a MUSIC USE REPORT which are lists of musical works performed or played at the event (even if performing traditional music).
• Dance Groups must complete MUSIC USE REPORT form even if using recorded or traditional music.
• Spoken word performers do not need to complete the form.
• The Artist/s acknowledge that no performance payment will be made until their form is completed and returned to the festival.

Festival Contribution

• We encourage Artists/Performers to participate in all aspects of the festival. We encourage connection amongst community and fellow artists.
• We urge you to consider what you can bring to the festival for example – offering a workshop or hosting a special concert.

Stage Plan Template & Equipment

• The Artist must complete and return the Stage Plan Template (or provide their own stage plan) to assist our Production crew with staging requirements and set-ups.
• All stage equipment belonging to the artist must be tested and tagged.

Performance Conflicts

• Bands that share playing members can make programming extremely difficult – we endeavour to accommodate clashes; however, this is not always possible. Please be aware of this.

Performance Schedules

• When the Festival timetable is finalised Artists will be notified by email by the beginning of May of their schedules with day, time, venue & any relevant program notes. • Please note this is subject to change. Artists will be notified asap of any changes.

Accommodation (if applicable)

• The festival accommodates performers travelling long distances, interstate and internationally.
• Accommodation may be offered as part of the Agreement. It is only provided from Friday 5June (night) to Monday 8 June (morning).
• If required on alternate dates it is the artist’s responsibility; otherwise, please discuss with the Festival Director. If your application is successful, you will receive further detail about accommodation.

Transport Arrangements

• Transfers are available from Friday June 5- Monday to June 8, 2026
• The festival provides airport transfers from Avalon airport only
• Unless travelling internationally, transfers from Tullamarine Airport are not available. Please contact Gull Airport Services www.gull.com.au to arrange your bus transfer to Geelong.
• Transfers from Gull Airport Geelong Terminal and Geelong Train Station to /from Portarlington can be arranged with Festival.
• If required, a form for transport arrangements will be emailed to you by mid May.

Recording Permission

• The Artist agrees to photography, audio and video recordings only, by the festival, for possible archives, radio broadcasts or production of a Festival CD/Film.
• Future use of audio/film will be subject to further approvals by subsequent negotiation and agreements between the Artist and the hirer.

Publicity

• The Artist is responsible for and gives NCF permission to use images and promotional materials for media, brochures and program production.
• The Artist agrees to include their NCF dates on their website, social network channels and any media releases.

Indemnity

• The Artist agrees to indemnify the National Celtic Festival from any losses, damages, costs or expenses resulting from any third-party claim for any damages which may arise from inappropriate, careless or dangerous actions by the artist.

Statutory Obligations

• The Artist will supply a current copy of their Public Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency.
• The Artist accepts total responsibility for their tax, superannuation, Workcover and personal public liability insurance arrangements.
• The Artist must declare their ABN if applicable and advise whether GST registration has been obtained.

Under 18 Artists

• All performers under the age of 18 are required to wear an Under 18 Festival wristband and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in licensed venues.

Artist Exclusivity

• We want people to come and see you over the weekend at our festival and that means there needs to be demand for it.
• We ask you to commit to our festival for the whole weekend and not to engage with other gigs in the area over the weekend. If you play another gig in the surrounding area, it is taking away from the incentive to see you at our festival.
• The Artist agrees not to perform/appear or to have their name in any form or marketing for a period of 2 weeks before and/or after the festival within a radius of 100 km from Portarlington (includes Melbourne) unless by prior arrangement with the Festival Director.

Artist Payments

• Artists must provide a valid invoice for their performance fee.
• Direct Deposit payments (Banking details to be supplied in Letter of Agreement) will be organised within three weeks after the Festival.

Code of Conduct

• The Artist must comply with Occupational health and safety guidelines, take responsibility for personal safety and other people working in the immediate vicinity (stage, performance area etc.)
• The Artist agrees to comply with any lawful and reasonable direction given by the Stage Manager, Warden, or Festival Director
• The Artist will treat all patrons, National Celtic Folk Festival volunteers and organisers with respect and courtesy always.
• The Artist agrees not to be under the influence of illicit drugs or intoxicated, drink alcohol or use inappropriate language while performing or conducting a workshop.
• Offensive, intimidating, or unlawful behaviour and discrimination or harassment of any form by the Artist is unacceptable.