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POWER UP Programme Applications Open for 2025

The multi award-winning POWER UP initiative has opened applications for Black music creators and industry professionals to join year five of its Participant Programme, which provides grants of up to £10,000 alongside mentoring, masterclasses and wellbeing support.

Published: 28 February 2025 | 9:52 AM
A black musician singing into a microphone.
The deadline to apply is Thursday 13 March 2025 at 6:00pm. Image credit: Shutterstock.

Co-founded by the PRS Foundation and Ben Wynter, POWER UP’s Participant Programme elevates pioneering Black talent and is a key feature of the long-term initiative launched to address anti-Black racism and racial disparities in the music sector.

Amplifying the work of Black creators 

The programme, specifically designed to fit the needs of the participants, assists in the development of their careers and practice, and helps those in the network to break through glass ceilings and accelerate change across the industry.

This includes grant support of up to £10,000 alongside capacity building masterclasses, mentoring, coaching, mental health and wellbeing support, and access to added value support from POWER UP Partners and the peer network, which is integral to breaking down barriers. 

Successful applicants will also be part of the 160-person strong network with extensive industry experience to exchange knowledge, peer support and expertise. 

Programme eligibility and how to apply

The POWER UP participant programme will support 40 individuals each year who have experienced barriers relating to being a Black music creator or industry professional.

Potential applicants are encouraged to read all guidance pages and advice before applying, including the Q&A section, which will describe what level eligible applicants should be at, what POWER UP partners are looking for, and where to go if other types of support are more appropriate.

POWER UP will also be running a number of webinars in the coming weeks to provide guidance and help with the application process. Details will be announced on the POWER UP Instagram channel.

The deadline for applications is Thursday 13 March 2025 at 6:00pm.

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