Last week, music creators were able to apply for The Performance Fund, which is in association with Wigwam Acoustics and Musicians' Union and offers four emerging UK artists and bands access to bespoke monitoring packages (such as in-ear monitoring, microphones, control systems) worth up to £10k to ensure consistently great sound across live dates, plus advice and training on touring, promotional support and an additional £375 for touring costs.
This edition of Flash Funding recognises that the costs of touring for emerging musicians are not always being met by live income streams. In offering financial tour support, The Performance Fund will fast-track careers at a crucial early stage - ensuring tours are as effective as possible. Additional mentoring and training ensures selected artists make the most of opportunities to build links with fans, promoters and venues across the UK.
On top of financial support, this fund ensures consistently great sound across live dates.
Artists wanting to apply submitted two musical examples and a three-minute video answering basic questions about their live dates. Further details and information on eligibility are also available. An expert industry panel including, will pick the four artists from a shortlist of the applicants and the successful grantees will be publicly announced on Monday 18 April 2016.
Joseph Frankland, senior grants and programmes manager, PRS for Music Foundation said, "Following the huge demand for our first Flash Fund, we're pleased to announce this new opportunity for artists and bands that helps to ensure exceptional live sound while offering financial support and crucial advice. We're excited to partner with Wigwam Acoustic and The MU and look forward to receiving many great video applications before the weekend."
Joel Perry, Wigwam Acoustics, concert touring manager added, "As has been proven time and again for Wigwam Acoustics and across the whole of the touring fraternity, hands-on development from the outset remains key to both our success and the continued success of our touring clients. The Performance Flash Fund, coupled with the vast experience of the 3 organisations, will provide artists with a bespoke, professional touring audio system application, employed by today's top performers."
Kelly Wood, Musicians' Union's live performance official said, "'Artists rely on gigs and tours to grow their fanbase and develop their music, but too often the cost of touring can make it prohibitively tough for musicians. It's important that touring remains viable and that artists are supported as they perform across the great circuit of UK live music venues. The Performance Flash Fund is an exciting and valuable award for gigging artists, and demonstrates how support can be provided by the industry, financially and otherwise."
(Jim Evans)
