Published: 16 Nov 2016
PRS for Music Foundation, the UK’s leading funder of new music and talent development across all genres, announces today (16 November 2016) that Creative Scotland will become a new partner for the International Showcase Fund.
This investment by Creative Scotland in the fund will give talented Scottish artists the opportunity to apply for support to travel to and perform at industry showcases and benefit from the schemes' networking, mentoring and preparation workshops.
The International Showcase Fund is run by PRS for Music Foundation in partnership with Department for International Trade, Arts Council England, British Underground, Musicians' Union, PPL, Wales Arts International and PledgeMusic. It currently offers support for English and Welsh artists to take their first steps into international territories by enabling them to perform at key showcasing festivals and conferences such as Canadian Music Week, SXSW, CMJ, WOMEX, Eurosonic, Jazzahead and Mutek which attract thousands of people working in the music industry from every corner of the globe.
Vanessa Reed, Chief Executive of PRS for Music Foundation said: “I am delighted that Creative Scotland will be partnering with us and the existing partners on the International Showcase Fund. This additional investment means that we can now open this fund to talented Scottish artists who are looking to access a new oversees territory for the first time”.
Alan Morrison, Head of Music, Creative Scotland said: "Connecting Scottish talent to the wider world is one of Creative Scotland's main ambitions, and this new partnership with the International Showcase Fund will allow us to do so at an increased level. We firmly believe that Scottish musicians deserve to stand shoulder to shoulder with the best the world has to offer, and that our up-and-coming acts will be the stars of the future. The International Showcase Fund is the key that will open doors to a wealth of industry platforms at some of the biggest festivals and music events on the calendar."
In the International Showcase Fund’s most recent report spanning 2013-16, launched in Parliament this year, 89% of supported artists returned with tangible business outcomes and every £1 invested by the International Showcase Fund generated an additional £8.90 in revenues for the supported artist (Read the full report). Supported artists include, Kate Tempest, Little Simz, Everything Everything, The Square, and East India Youth.
ENDS
About The International Showcase Fund
The International Showcase Fund offers grant up to £5,000 as a contribution to travel, visas, accommodation and per diems (daily expenses). Applications can be received at any time but applicants should only consider applying once an official invitation to perform at the chosen showcasing festival has been received. For full details and applications forms please visit: http://www.prsformusicfoundation.com/funding/international-showcase-fund/
About PRS for Music Foundation
PRS for Music Foundation is the UK's leading charitable funder of new music and talent development across all genres. Since 2000 PRS for Music Foundation has given more than £23.6 million to over 5,300 new music initiatives by awarding grants and leading partnership programmes that support music sector development. Widely respected as an adventurous and proactive funding body, PRS for Music Foundation supports an exceptional range of new music activity – from composer residencies and commissions to festivals and showcases in the UK and overseas.
www.prsformusicfoundation.com
About Creative Scotland
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland on behalf of everyone who lives, works or visits here. We enable people and organisations to work in and experience the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland by helping others to develop great ideas and bring them to life. We distribute funding provided by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery. For further information about Creative Scotland please visit www.creativescotland.com. Follow us @creativescots and www.facebook.com/CreativeScotland
Media Contacts
For media enquiries please contact:
Liam McMahon, PRS for Music Foundation
liam@prsformusicfoundation.com / 02037414741
Sophie Bambrough, Creative Scotland
Sophie.bambrough@creativescotland.com / 0131 523 0015
For further information about International Showcase Fund please contact:
Bhavesh Patel, PRS for Music Foundation
bhavesh@prsformusicfoundation.com / 02037414044
