Purpose

 To support Indigenous music educators and scholars in attending and presenting at the ISME World Conference, reducing barriers to participation and amplifying Indigenous voices in ISME’s global community. 

Eligibility

• ISME members who self-identify as Indigenous (e.g., First Nations, Métis, Inuit, or other Indigenous communities)
• Accepted to give a spoken or poster presentation at the 2026 ISME World Conference.
• Applications welcome from first-time and returning presenters.
• In 2025-26 preference may be given to Canadian applicants given the host city is Montreal.

Criteria

• Quality, originality, and significance of proposed presentation.
• Financial need.
• Contribution to advancing Indigenous perspectives in music education.

Award Value

• Up to USD $1500  for travel, accommodation, and sustenance.

General Guidelines for all World Conference Awards

• All awards are available to ISME members only.
• Award normally distributed post-conference attendance, unless otherwise approved by the ISME Finance Committee.
• Eligible costs: travel, accommodation, sustenance. Membership and registration are not covered by these awards.

Application Requirements

• 1 page CV
• Personal statement (300-400 words).
• Referee report (400 words).

Application Process

The online submission process for the 2026 ISME World Conference Travel Awards will open soon.

Past recipients of this award

This award was introduced in the 2025–26 cycle