The IBMA International Band Performance Grant Program is open to all non-U.S. bluegrass bands interested in performing at IBMA World of Bluegrass® and participating in a subsequent U.S. summer tour. The program provides financial assistance to bands traveling to IBMA World of Bluegrass® and helps to establish the follow-up tour.
This $5,000 grant is intended to defray the travel and visa costs associated with coming to the United States. The selected band will be awarded $3,000 immediately following their performances at IBMA World of Bluegrass® and another $2,000 immediately following the subsequent U.S. tour.
The IBMA International Band Performance Grant will support the selected band by:
1. Facilitating the visa process. The IBMA will coordinate the visa process between the band and immigration attorney.
2. Creating opportunities for exposure during IBMA World of Bluegrass®. Examples include:
– Performances on the Streetfest, International Stage, and Exhibit Hall stages
– Presentations during the IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards
-Networking opportunities during the IBMA Business Conference such as the Gig Fair and Networking Receptions
3. Facilitating the U.S. tour. The IBMA will establish anchor dates for the selected band’s 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.
If you have any questions about the program, please don’t hesitate to reach out to [email protected].
Applications for the 2026 IBMA International Band Performance Grant are now open until Friday, November 21 at 5PM CT.
Non-U.S. artists and bands who are registered to attend the 2025 IBMA Business Conference are encouraged to apply to perform on the International Stage. This is a curated performance lineup, with a limited number of performance times. U.S.-based artists and groups that have international ties are also encouraged to take part.
Artists with international connections include:
Foreign artists with a P or an O visa may perform Wednesday through Saturday. Foreign artists without a visa may perform during the Conference attendee portion (Wednesday-Thursday), but not during the public attendee portion (Friday-Saturday).
Applications for 2026 IBMA World of Bluegrass will open in the spring of 2026.
Be a part of the IBMA World of Bluegrass® festivities by participating as a sponsor of the International Stage. Highlight your brand by honoring the “I” in IBMA and lend support to the artists and organizations who help keep the tradition alive across the globe!
From the conference program to the mobile app, there are opportunities for high visibility promotion on all International Stage, Exhibit Hall, and World of Bluegrass materials. Make sure you are front and center during World of Bluegrass week.
To get involved, contact Amy Combs for more details: [email protected].
