The PRS Foundation is delighted to announce that UK Trade and Investment has invested £30,000 in its British Music Abroad scheme, aimed at supporting emerging UK acts.
This funding significantly increases the amount available in the scheme, which is also funded by Arts Council England’s Grants for the Arts programme.
This scheme offers financial support to emerging UK acts that have been selected for key overseas showcase opportunities. A large part of the costs of showcasing are travel and accommodation costs which, for an emerging act, can be prohibitive.
Through the scheme, the PRS Foundation, Arts Council England and UK Trade and Investment will enable those at this critical stage in their careers to take advantage of the benefits offered by international showcasing. To date the scheme has supported over 80 UK acts, including forthcoming appearances at South by South West by Fanfarlo, Peggy Sue and the Pirates, Sway and Kitty, Daisy and Lewis.
Charlotte Ray, Director of the PRS Foundation said: ‘British Music Abroad has already created significant opportunities for many acts ready to break through on an international stage. UK Trade and Investment recognises the value of such a scheme and through this investment PRSF has been able to support a greater number of talented acts appearing at South by South West in March.’
Andrew Cahn, Chief Executive of UK Trade and Investment said: ‘The UK has an excellent record of developing musical talent. The Government is committed to support the music industry here and abroad. It is a key driver of the economy.
Today's funding complements the range of assistance UK Trade and Investment provides for the music industry which includes trade missions, education activities, marketing support and most particularly our significant presence at key international showcasing events such as SXSW and Womex.’
Showcasing events to be supported through the British Music Abroad scheme cover various genres of music, with events including South by South West, WOMEX and the Montreal Jazz Festival.
Full list of PRSF-funded acts attending SXSW
Alice Russell
Bearsuit
Bo Pepper
Christopher Rees
Copter
Deluka
Fanfarlo
Furthest Drive Home
Gin Palace
Hafdis Huld
Hey Negrita
I Was a Cub Scout
Johnny Foreigner
LookSeeProof
Kitty, Daisy and Lewis
Passenger
Peggy Sue and the Pirates
Phantom Limb
Riz MC
Son of Dave
Sway
The Barker Band
The Ironweed Project
The Thirst
These New Puritans
Trash Fashion