About The PRS Foundation for New Music

The PRS Foundation for New Music (PRSF) is the UK's only independent funder of new music across all genres.

Its main aims are to stimulate and support the creation and performance of new music in the UK, ensuring this reaches a wide audience. In addition, it motivates public debate about creative music-making in the UK, for example through ground-breaking projects such as the New Music Award.

Over the past 8 years the Foundation has proved itself a significant force in supporting pioneering musical activity. The Foundation provides essential core support for creators, performers and producers of new music, while also underpinning exciting new music projects. Since March 2000 it has supported over 2500 new music initiatives with over £10 million.

PRSF promotes activity at the cutting edge of new music, encouraging the development of music in the UK. This is achieved through its own funding schemes and partnerships with other organisations.

The Foundation is widely respected as an approachable, adventurous, and straightforward organisation. It has already established a track record of funding a broad range of activity, from unsigned band showcases to composer residencies and from commissions for new music to experimental live electronica. PRSF support is seen by the music community as an indication of quality and innovation.

History of The PRS Foundation for New Music

The Performing Right Society (PRS) had been supporting new music since 1953 by reacting to applications for support as and when they arrived. In the late 60s, PRS was receiving so many applications that it set up a Donations and Awards Committee which, by the late 90's, was distributing about 1/4 million pounds per year.

In 1999, as part of its drive for greater accuracy and efficiency in royalty distributions to members, the PRS Board charged a taskforce of PRS staff and Board members to determine the best way of consolidating and continuing its support for new music in the UK.

Their research resulted in the launch of an independent charitable foundation for new music of any genre: the PRS Foundation.

The PRS Foundation gratefully acknowledges the continuing support of the PRS Board and membership.

For more information about the Performing Right Society, please visit www.mcps-prs-alliance.co.uk