• Musicians Benevolent Fund has launched new Emerging Excellence Awards
• Grants of up to £3,000 available
• Awards open to individual musicians, composers and groups
Talented emerging musicians are invited to apply to a new funding programme to help them on the road to a successful career.
The Emerging Excellence Awards offer grants up to £3,000 to individual musicians, composers and groups working in any genre, to fund an important development opportunity, project or extended programme of activity that will have a lasting impact on their professional career.
The Awards particularly encourage innovation and entrepreneurialism, with the ultimate aim of helping young artists develop a distinctive profile in a crowded marketplace and equip them to pursue their ambitions.
Examples could include a period of intensive coaching, a specialised short course, a creative residency, or collaboration with other artists.
Applications will be considered under three tiers:
· small grants of up to £500
· development grants of between £500 and £1,500
· large grants of over £1,500
Shortlisted applicants seeking more than £1,500 will be asked to pitch their project idea to a ‘Dragon’s Den’-style panel of experts.
The scheme also offers some applicants the opportunity to attend a 'DNA' (Development Needs Analysis) session with a specialist advisor to help them refine their project proposal and identify the best way to achieve their career ambitions.
David Sulkin, Chief Executive, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for some of the most talented and adventurous young musicians to receive targeted support towards their creative and professional development. We know from recent research that the first few years in the profession can be a struggle and the Musicians Benevolent Fund wants to help address that”.
The first round of applications closes at 9am on Monday 21 May, with further rounds to follow later in 2012.
Applicants must be aged between 18 and 30, be able to demonstrate musical excellence and financial need, and already be achieving significant impact in their field.
For more information about the Emerging Excellence Awards and how to apply, visit helpmusicians.org.uk/eea
For more information about the Musicians Benevolent Fund, visit helpmusicians.org.uk