The grants support young performers whose work is rooted in, or influenced by, folk or traditional music and arts of any culture. Photo: Shutterstock.
The Alan Surtees Trust is a grant giving organisation that supports young performers whose work is rooted in, or influenced by, folk or traditional music and arts of any culture. It was set up in memory of Alan Surtees, the co-founder and director of Shrewsbury Folk Festival, in 2017.
The festival makes an annual donation to the trust and since its inception, 28 individual grants have been made funding everything from album recording to video production, expert tuition, a folk music school project and the purchase of new instruments and equipment.
Musicians, dancers, singers, and performers aged 16 to 30, who demonstrate exceptional skill, talent, and potential in these genres, are eligible to apply for one of four grants of up to £2,000.
Eligibility and how to apply
The Trust will make four awards of up to £2,000 per person. Applicants should be aged between 16 and 30 at the time of applying, must live in the UK, and not already have significant financial backing.
Funding examples:
- Mentoring and tuition from experts in the genre
- Hiring of rehearsal and creative space
- Costs towards new instruments and equipment
- Recording and production of a debut album
- Production of promotional materials
- Project research and development expenses such as artist fees, travel expenses.
The application form includes the option to submit a personalised video from applicants and this is encouraged by trustees.
Only successful candidates will be contacted, and the award recipients will be announced in June. The closing date for applications is 30 April 2025.
View more information about the Trust and apply for a grant online.