A significant cut could put the excellent work of the Foundation in jeopardy. Photo credit: Shutterstock
The MU has joined others in the music industry in writing to PRS for Music to question its decision to cut funding for the PRS Foundation from 2024. At such a difficult time for British music and musicians, the decision has resulted in a petition and an open letter from 50 grassroots music organisations published today.
A donation of £2.5m per year is confirmed by PRS for Music until the end of 2023, after which a significant cut could put the excellent work of the Foundation in jeopardy.
Naomi Pohl, General Secretary said
"The PRS Foundation plays a unique and vital role in the British music industry, funding emerging talent and new music. It has also been a key player in improving diversity and inclusion in the industry, for example with the Keychange and PowerUp initiatives.
“Funding is hard to come by and needed more than ever, particularly for new music. We will engage with the PRS Foundation, PRS for Music and other industry organisations to ensure that the work of the Foundation can continue."
As well as writing to PRS for Music directly, the MU will be writing as part of the Council of Music Makers which also includes the Featured Artists Coalition, The Ivors Academy, Music Managers Forum and Music Producers Guild.
The MU contributes funding to the International Showcase Fund, which is one of the many funding schemes for creators that is run by PRS Foundation.