PRS Foundation

British Music Abroad

The PRS Foundation is now accepting applications for British Music Abroad for 2008. Funded by Arts Council England’s Grants for the arts programme, UK Trade & Investment and the PRS Foundation, this scheme 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:

Folk Alliance	20 - 24 February 2008
Canadian Music Week (CMJ)	5 - 8 March 2008
South by South West (SXSW)	9 - 18 March 2008
North by North East	12 - 15 June 2008
Sonar	19 - 21 June 2008
Montreal Jazz Festival	26 June - 6 July 2008
popkomm	17 - 19 September 2008
CMJ Music Marathon	October 2008
WOMEX	November 2008
MIDEM	January 2009

This list is not exclusive and other events can be considered, providing they are offering genuine showcase opportunities for the acts involved.

The deadline for applications will be:

Friday 26 August 2008
Friday 7 November 2008

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 Josh on 020 7306 4228 or Eleanor on 020 7306 4231.

British Music Abroad application form

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 the National Lottery through Arts Council England’s Grants for the arts programme for individuals and organisations. Arts Council England Lottery Funded UKTI