PRS Foundation has announced a new partnership with Creative Scotland to support its Momentum Music Fund.
Revealed at Scotland’s forum for music businesses and artists, Wide Days 2018, the new partnership will allow Scottish artists to apply for funding to support activities such as recording, touring and marketing. Artists must be at a tipping point in their careers, showing current progression and growth with significant potential to continue developing.
Since its creation in 2013 (and with support from Arts Council England to 2018), the Momentum Music Fund has supported over 270 artists, 160 new albums and 170 tours, totalling over 1,000 UK live dates. It awards grants of up to £15,000 using funds from PRS Foundation, PPL and Creative Scotland with funding from The National Lottery. Spotify contributes additional funding and a reward package containing promotional opportunities and a close working relationship between Momentum artists and the Spotify team.
The fund boasts success stories such as Anna Meredith, Years & Years, Little Simz, Public Service Broadcasting, Bugzy Malone, Yungen, Lapsley and Oh Wonder.
Support for Scottish artists
Vanessa Reed, CEO at PRS Foundation, said:
Thanks to Creative Scotland, we can now offer support to the many talented and independent Scottish artists who need support and industry exposure to take their music to the next level. This is an excellent example of how public funders and industry partners, including PPL and Spotify, can work together in response to the needs of diverse artists and the potential for seed funding to unlock sustainable careers. I look forward to seeing the range of Scottish acts that apply and to combining the expertise of our Scottish partners with input from industry experts when making decisions on who makes it through.’
Alan Morrison, Head of Music, Creative Scotland, said:
‘There’s so much more to succeeding in the music industry these days than just writing great songs. Musicians today really need to know how to handle a crowdfunding campaign, get access to influential streaming playlists and generally improve their business skills. That’s where the Momentum Music Fund steps in, working with acts who have already got themselves onto the ladder and helping them climb a few rungs higher. We’re overflowing with musical talent in Scotland and we want the world to know about it – that’s why Creative Scotland is delighted to be partnering with the PRS Foundation in this brilliantly innovative programme as part of our aim to promote Scottish music and help grow more sustainable creative businesses in Scotland.’
There will be a Momentum Music Fund launch at Focus Wales on 10 May 2018. The next deadline for application submissions is 6pm on 29 May 2018.
Header image: Part of a Momentum Music Fund infographic
