skip to main content

Third Round of PRS Foundation’s Sustaining Creativity Fund Opens to Support Black Musicians

This targeted round of funding recognises the Black music community is disproportionately impacted by Covid-19, and is open for applications from UK-based Black music creators from 16 July to 10 August.

Published: 21 July 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
Young black male musician playing piano
Grants of £750 will be made available, to support outstanding talent in flexible ways. Photo: Shutterstock

PRS Foundation’s Sustaining Creativity Fund has opened for a third wave of applications, with support from Spotify’s Covid-19 Music Relief Fund, and generous donations from music fans and the music industry.

UK-based Black music creators working in any genre and at any career level whose music careers have been impacted by Covid-19 can apply to PRS Foundation’s open call. Grants of £750 will be made available, to support outstanding talent in flexible ways. Additionally, a £250 top-up amount is available for applicants with access needs.

Musicians should apply through PRS Foundation’s website before the deadline of 10 August.

Minorities will be hardest hit by the economic impact of the pandemic

This targeted round of funding recognises the Black music community is disproportionately impacted by Covid-19, that the economic impact of the pandemic will hit minorities hardest, and the concern that outstanding Black talent has been less able to access hardship funding over recent months.

For this deadline, PRS Foundation is partnering with six dynamic Black-led music organisations:

For more guidance on eligibility criteria and how to apply, see PRS Foundation’s website.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Open hands holding a paper chain of connected people, one is in a wheelchair, representing unity and equality.

New Report by Radical Body Highlights Barriers Facing Disabled Arts Workers

A new research project drawing on the experiences of more than 250 disabled creatives highlights ongoing access barriers in the arts sector. In response, Radical Body has also launched a micro-grant scheme for disabled artists who struggle to leave their homes, applications close 20 April.

Published: 09 April 2026

Read more about New Report by Radical Body Highlights Barriers Facing Disabled Arts Workers
Tom standing in front of the door to Lio London cabaret (formerly the Café de Paris), in October, 2024.

Tribute to Thomas William O’Connor (Tommy/Tom)

Tom O’Connor, a talented drummer who performed in the West End, on multiple cruise ships and even at Queen Elizabeth’s garden party, passed away at the age of 89 in March 2026. He was a lifelong member of the Musicians’ Union for 68 years, having joined in 1958.

Published: 09 April 2026

Read more about Tribute to Thomas William O’Connor (Tommy/Tom)
Diljeet, sat on stage with the panellists, speaking into a microphone.

Challenging Stereotypes in the Music Industry: MU Panel at Launchpad 2026

At the 2026 Launchpad Conference in Leeds, the MU’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Dr Diljeet Bhachu, led a candid panel with Northern artists exploring identity, representation and the experiences of Global Majority and marginalised musicians in the UK music industry.

Published: 08 April 2026

Read more about Challenging Stereotypes in the Music Industry: MU Panel at Launchpad 2026