CresFest 2026 Artist Application

Open 1 July - 16 August

PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU APPLY

CresFest is a folk & roots music festival held in the historic goldfields town of Creswick, Victoria (20 km from Ballarat). CresFest Inc is planning for its 5th festival, to be held over the weekend of Friday 10th - Sunday 12th April 2026. For more information about the festival please check out our website, facebook and instagram pages.

To enhance the sustainability of our festival and ensure its longevity, we are doing things slightly different to other festivals, please read all of our info before applying.

Artistic Vision

At CresFest, we are seeking high quality folk music that embodies the rich traditions of specific cultures and communities, celebrating the oral heritage passed down through generations. We value performances that reflect the everyday lives, experiences, and values of ordinary people, as this genre plays a vital role in preserving cultural identity. We are interested in music from around the world that invites communal singing and participation, with lyrics that resonate with themes such as love, work, social issues, and history. Our goal is to create an atmosphere that encourages audience involvement through singing, dancing, and playing instruments, fostering a strong sense of community and shared experience.

Your participation in CresFest presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to the vibrant atmosphere and celebrate the power and beauty of community music in a weekend dedicated to harmonious performances and shared musical experiences.

At CresFest, we strongly believe in the power of community music, whether it be through choirs, dance ensembles or bands of all styles. It is our fervent desire to integrate this belief into the fabric of our festival, ensuring that active musical participation is just as significant as observing and listening.

Each selected act will be expected to do five performances/commitments across the weekend, one of these may be a workshop, conversation, session or other exciting musical endeavour. All of our venues are small and intimate, which is why we ask you to do sets more frequently so that more people will get a chance to see you.
Unless you are a Choir or Community Band your offer is slightly different, please select that option on the next page to see your terms and offer.

Selection will prioritise acts that meet our requirements (above) AND that provide evidence of their history through 1) a fan base; 2) their history and online presence; 3) good quality media including videos (footage of live concerts to be included where available). New bands, emerging artists and amateurs are more likely to find a home in our Open Mic sessions and Busking competition than in our paid artist line-up, and we will let you know if we think that is you.

Timelines

Please complete the expression of interest form below. Applications will close on Friday 15th of August 11:59pm and we will be in touch during September and October with the next steps, which could be an offer of a contract, request for more information, or a straight-out ‘sorry, not this time’.

What we offer

CresFest will supply successful applicants with a standard Festival contract.

Each contracted act will be paid a negotiated fee. When applying, please bear in mind we are a very small festival with a modest budget, trying to accommodate high quality acts from across the country. Your lowest realistic quote would be appreciated. You will also be asked to indicate if you are a professional artist with an ABN (organisation or sole trader), community organisation, or hobbyist (Statement by Supplier form applicable). Australian sole traders will get an additional 11.5% of their performer fee deposited into their superannuation account, this can only be paid to one person.

In most venues we can provide a basic backline and PA, but please tell us in your application if you are also happy to play acoustically. Please also tell us what additional things you offer such as workshops, leading sessions, themed shows and kids programming. The more diverse your act the more likely we are to find a place for you at CresFest.

All contracted artists and performers will receive an artist wristband. Choirs and Community Band receive 2 wristbands per act. Additional staff, crew, and management will not be provided with a complimentary ticket unless previously negotiated.

At our festival, we place great importance on family, and we would love to have your family join us. While we are unable to provide complimentary tickets, we are excited to offer a special discounted rate for your immediate family members.

Please note: We are not in a position to do visa applications for overseas artists - if you represent (or are) an overseas act, you will need to have the necessary visas lined up by an agent, another festival or your own efforts.

Artist Services & Hospitality

We offer free accommodation options for all contracted artists. Again if you are a Choir or Community Band check your offer on the next page. These range from hotel through to billeting and camping. Please note, unless otherwise negotiated, we are unable to provide free accommodation for partners, children, parents or managers/agents where this requires more rooms, but will offer (where appropriate) a reduced fee for hotel or camping for family and crew.

Artists are responsible for their own travel and meals, unless otherwise negotiated.
CresFest is not in a position to offer riders. We do, however, offer Green Room facilities.
More detail will be advised/requested if a contract is issued.


Public Liability

At the time of contracting, selected artists will be required to supply a certificate of currency for a current Public Liability Insurance policy for all members - in accordance with current Folk Alliance Australia recommendations. Please visit their website for further information.

Support/Contact

If, after reading through the application form, you have unanswered questions or need help applying, please email: Stella.Savy@cresfest.com.au

Our sincere thanks for the time and effort you will put into this application – we appreciate it.