PRS Foundation has announced a partnership with Creative Scotland to support the Momentum Music Fund.

The charitable arm of PRS is working with the Scottish public development body for the arts and creative industries to help support emerging talent. The Momentum Music Fund was created in 2013 to back developing artists at tipping points in their careers.

The partnership - announced at the Wide Days 2018 Scottish music business forum -
will enable more artists across the UK to apply for vital support to aid their development. The initiative provides grants of between £5,000 and £15,000 to fund professional development. Spotify also supports the scheme.

Until today only artists based in England were eligible for funding. Scottish artists can now apply for funding to support activities such as recording, touring and marketing. The next deadline for applications is May 29.

Since 2013 the Momentum Music Fund has supported more than 270 artists and 160 new albums. The fund has previously backed acts including Anna Meredith, Years & Years, Little Simz, Public Service Broadcasting, Bugzy Malone, Yungen, Lapsley and Oh Wonder.

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.”

There will be a Momentum Music Fund launch at Focus Wales on May 10.

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