Posted on 20 March 2012
The Musicians Benevolent Fund has launched a new set of awards aimed at talented emerging musicians. The Emerging Excellence Awards are available to individual musicians, groups and composers of any musical genre.
Perhaps you need help funding your idea for a creative residency? Or your creative ambition requires some intensive coaching? Ambitious ideas from ambitious musicians are what the awards aim to support. Grants of up to £3,000 will be available.
Applications are now being accepted from musicians and composers, aged 18-30 - particularly those with innovative ideas that will help them stand out from the crowd. Three kinds of grant will be offered: small grants of up to £500, development grants between £500 and £1,500, and large grants of over £1,500.
Those shortlisted and seeking large grants will be asked to present their ideas before a panel of experts in a ‘Dragon’s Den’-style scenario, further indulging the entrepreneurial spirit the awards aim to foster. In addition, some applicants to the Emerging Excellence Awards will be given access to a specialist advisor, who will help them to identify realistic goals to refine their projects and enhance their career.
David Sulkin, the Fund’s 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.
For more information about how to apply, please visit the
Emerging Excellence Awards page.