2026 IBMA International Band Performance Grant Application

2026 IBMA International Band Performance Grant Application

The IBMA International Band Performance Grant Program is open to all non-U.S. bluegrass bands interested in performing at 2026 IBMA World of Bluegrass® (October 20-24, 2026 in Chattanooga, Tennessee) and participating in a 2027 U.S. summer tour.

International Band Performance Grant Program Details
This $5,000 grant is intended to defray travel and visa costs. The selected band will be awarded $3,000 immediately following their performances at 2026 IBMA World of Bluegrass and another $2,000 immediately following the 2027 U.S. tour.

The IBMA International Band Performance Grant will support the selected band by:
- Facilitating the visa process. The IBMA will coordinate the visa process between the band and immigration attorney.
- Creating opportunities for exposure during 2026 IBMA World of Bluegrass. Examples include:
  - Performances on one of the IBMA Bluegrass Live! festival stages, IBMA Distiguished Achievement & Industry Awards, International Stage, and Exhibit Hall stages
  - Networking opportunities during the IBMA Business Conference such as the Gig Fair and Networking Receptions
- Facilitating the 2027 U.S. tour. The IBMA will establish anchor dates for the selected band’s 2027 summer tour. Examples of previous performance venues include The Station Inn, The Grand Ole Opry, Frankfort Bluegrass Festival, Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, and ROMP Bluegrass Festival.
Application Deadline: Friday, November 21, 2025 at 5PM CT. For any questions or issues with the application, please contact info@ibma.org.
Artist/Band Name*
Where is your band based? *
City, Country
Total Number of band members. *
Note: Bands must have three or more members.
Are you planning to apply as an Official Showcase Artist for 2026 IBMA World of Bluegrass?*

YesNo
Have you previously been an Official Showcase Artist at IBMA World of Bluegrass?*

YesNo
What year did you participate as an Official Showcase Artist?*
To provide a unique musical and cultural experience, the IBMA requires bands to perform at least 50% original material. By checking this box, you agree that your band can fulfill this requirement.*

I agree
The IBMA requires selected bands to obtain O or P-2 visas for 2026 World of Bluegrass and the 2027 U.S. tour. By checking this box, you agree that your band can fulfill this requirement.*

I agree
Please describe what you would hope to achieve professionally during 2026 IBMA World of Bluegrass and a 2027 summer tour as the recipient of this grant.*
If any of your band members are located in the U.S., please list their names and locations.
Primary Contact

The primary contact can be a band member or representative. This individual will be the primary point of contact between the applicant and the IBMA. Please be sure to use an active email address.
Contact Name*

First NameLast Name
E-mail*
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip CodeCountry
Primary contact's relationship to the applying act*
Artist Information

Complete the entries below for each member of the applying act. Each band member must submit a unique email address.
Band Member 1*

First NameLast Name
Email:*
Each band member must submit a unique email address.
Role*
Band Member 2*

First NameLast Name
Email*
Each band member must submit a unique email address.
Role*
Band Member 3*

First NameLast Name
Email*
Each band member must submit a unique email address.
Role*
Band Member 4*

First NameLast Name
E-mail*
Each band member must submit a unique email address.
Role*
Band Member 5*

First NameLast Name
E-mail*
Each band member must submit a unique email address.
Role*
Band Member 6*

First NameLast Name
E-mail*
Each band member must submit a unique email address.
Role*
Band Member 7*

First NameLast Name
E-mail*
Each band member must submit a unique email address.
Role*
Submit Materials

The following section requires you to submit materials that best represent your group. NOTE: DO NOT INCLUDE SPACES IN FILE NAMES.
Performance Examples (Required)

Please submit videos of performances only. No lyric videos. IBMA reserves the right to use supplied files for promotion of the event. NOTE: DO NOT INCLUDE SPACES IN FILE NAMES
Video Example 1*
Links only
Video Example 2*
Links only
Link to Streaming Platform 1
Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCoud, Pandora, etc.
Link to Streaming Platform 2
Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCoud, Pandora, etc.
Studio Recording 1 (mp3 ONLY)

Upload a File
SongName1.mp3 Cancelof
Studio Recording 2 (mp3 ONLY)

Upload a File
SongName2.mp3 Cancelof
Artist Photos (Required)

Please submit two different artist photos. At least one of your photos should be formatted in a square. Please do not include any text or logos on your photos. IBMA reserves the right to use supplied images for promotion of the event. NOTE: DO NOT INCLUDE SPACES IN FILE NAMES
Hi-Res Photo 1*

Upload a File
ArtistName1.png/.jpg/.jpeg Cancelof
Hi-Res Photo 2*

Upload a File
ArtistName2.png/.jpg/.jpeg Cancelof
Artist Description (Required)

Please indicate who the artist is and where they are located, describe the group's sound, and note any recent recordings released.
Enter artist description. You may copy and paste text into the box. Note: 165 word limit.*

0/165
Electronic Press Kit (optional)
EPK Upload

Upload a File
ArtistNameEPK.pdf/.png/etc. Cancelof
EPK Hyperlink
If you host an EPK online copy and paste the URL
Social Media Links (optional)
Website
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
X (formerly Twitter)
Other

Primary Contact

Artist Information

Submit Materials