British Music Abroad

Funded by British Underground on behalf of Arts Council England, UK Trade & Investment and the PRS Foundation, British Music Abroad offers financial support to emerging UK acts that have been selected for key overseas showcase opportunities.

The funding scheme is aimed at those who are making waves in the UK and who are ready to make a broader international impact. A large part of the costs of showcasing are travel and accommodation costs which, for an emerging act, can be prohibitive. British Music Abroad will provide financial support towards these costs.

Through the scheme, the PRS Foundation, Arts Council England and UK Trade & Investment will enable those at this critical stage in their careers to take advantage of the benefits offered by international showcasing.

To apply for this scheme you must be a UK-based act that has been offered a showcase opportunity at an international event (see list below).

The full list of applicable showcase events is:

The deadlines for 2009 are:

• Friday 8 May (for NXNE, Sonar and Montreal Jazz Festival)
• Friday 21 August (for popkomm and CMJ)
• Friday 18 September (for WOMEX and MIDEM)
• Friday 27 November (for MIDEM, CMW and SXSW)

To keep up-to-date with dates and information, you can join our e-mail list

Click here to find out who's been funded by British Music Abroad

Below is some sage advice from past attendees:

• “Get there as early as schedule and budget allow.”
• “Play as many shows as possible, know what you're selling and go for it!”
• “Plan your time at SXSW and have firm objectives for attending.”
• “Make sure you get US visas as soon as your slot at SXSW is confirmed.”
• “Use the facilities offered by UK T&I, especially if you’re not signed.”
• "Bear in mind the value of putting faces to names and solidifying relationships built up on phone and email.”
• “Remember showcasing is a long term investment, benefits may not show up immediately. Be patient.”
• “Priority should be self promotion and preparation.”
• “Always have a CD and media pack with you - showcasing is 24 hours.”
• "Take any extra performances offered to you. Parties are often better attended than showcases.”
• “Be careful of excess baggage charges.”
• “Stay with fans or friends to save money. Make sure to get visas because it's not worth getting caught”
• “Smaller showcases such as CMW, Great Escape and NXNE might offer better business opportunities than SXSW for bands with a lower profile. It’s not as easy to get lost.”
• “Get on as many party invites as possible and network like crazy.”
• “Don't forget your guitar pedals like Matt and have to buy a load in Texas”.
• “Attend barbecues. Don't mess with Texas!”

If you have any questions please contact Eleanor on eleanor.ward@prsfoundation.co.uk



Click here to download an application



Notes:
British Music Abroad is managed by the PRS Foundation and is funded by the PRS Foundation, UK Trade & Investment and British Underground on behalf of Arts Council England.