The fund will help promoters book talent at a scale beyond their current level, and build their capacity, skills and networks. Image credit: Shutterstock.
The fund, launched by PRS Foundation and supported by Arts Council England and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), recognises the vital role independent promoters play in supporting the talent pipeline across England.
Emerging promoters can apply for grants of up to £3,500
Funding will be available to help emerging promoters book and promote shows, support artists and DJs to reach wider audiences, and build sustainable careers in the grassroots music sector.
Grants of up to £3,500 will be available to support a range of activity, including:
- The booking, programming and promotion of gigs, concerts, club nights, showcases, tours and other performances
- Costs associated with those activities (including venue hire, production, artist and/or DJ fees, crew fees, administration and other related costs)
- Capacity building (including mentoring, coaching, shadowing, workshops, masterclasses, and other skill building and networking opportunities)
- Other expenditure which helps grantees to programme a diverse range of artists, develop new audiences and build their skills
Helping to build a more robust and diverse live music sector
Those receiving support will be able to step up to book and promote talent at a scale beyond their current level, and build their capacity, skills and networks.
The Early Career Promoter Fund will also help to address underrepresentation within the music sector, ensuring support reaches a diverse range of promoters, and proactively encouraging grantees to support a diverse range of artists and music genres nationwide.
The UK’s independent promoters play a vital role in the grassroots music ecosystem
DCMS Culture Secretary, Lucy Frazer, said: “The UK’s grassroots music sector is vital to helping the next generation of best-selling artists launch their careers and build fanbases.
“Promoters are a key part of this story, from booking and promoting shows, to hiring production crews and supporting musicians to reach new audiences.
"These government-funded grants will give promoters targeted support so they can provide platforms for a more diverse range of artists, access mentoring and coaching, and build sustainable careers in the creative industries.”
Applications are open from Thursday 2 May 2024. The first deadline for submissions is 6:00pm, Thursday 13 June 2024.
Please visit the PRS Foundation website for more information.
Subsequent monthly deadlines will be listed on PRS Foundation’s website. All funding decisions will be delivered within 6-8 weeks of each deadline, and selected grantees will be invited to attend cohort induction meetings and a series of workshops delivered by PRS Foundation and associates.