The PRS Foundation has announced the launch of its new funding scheme, British Music Abroad, to nurture emerging British music talent. 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.
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 and Arts Council England will enable those at this critical stage in their careers to take advantage of the benefits offered by international showcasing.
“This scheme is great news for emerging British artists. By offering support towards travel costs, we aim not only to move individual careers forwards, but play a significant part in promoting the UK’s music on a world stage” said Charlotte Ray, Manager of the PRS Foundation.
The UK is the world’s second largest exporter of music. Showcase events play a vital part in maintaining this level of export. Many artists, for example Franz Ferdinand, have gained their big break from performing at showcase events. 
“British Music Abroad promotes the British music industry at major international festivals and markets and raises the profile of individual artists, all by virtue of contributing towards basic expenses - it's brilliantly straightforward!” added Helen Sprott, Head of Music at Arts Council England.
Showcasing events to be supported through the British Music Abroad scheme will cover various genres of music, with events including South by South West, WOMEX and the Montreal Jazz Festival. A full list of events can be found here.
For further information click here, or contact Ben Lane on 020 7306 4228 or ben.lane@prsfoundation.co.uk
