Northern Line is an 18-month programme that enables jazz and jazz-inspired artists living in the North to upscale their live touring development,with a cash bursary to subsidise gigs and reach new audiences.
Open for all artists and bands to apply, successful applicants also receive a showcase at mjf, a bespoke artist development plan, 1-1 career advice, and priority access to specialist workshops and events.
Northern Line has supported 90 bands and hundreds of musicians since its inception in 2013. Northern Line ensures gigs can happen, despite the ever changing landscape.
APPLY: https://forms.gle/iPwZhepRt7Nj5fUw9
Northern Line:The Offer
A cash bursary, scaled according to the size of your ensemble and proposed touring ambitions.
An artist development plan for targeting promoters, festivals and venues, helping you perform in new places and build audiences.
A showcase at Manchester Jazz Festival on Sunday 17 May 2026, with promoter networking.
1-1 support from the Jazz North team to help you achieve your goals.
Priority access to Jazz North workshops and events focussed on specialist areas (eg marketing, businesses advice)
“Being on Northern Line has helped me reach new audiences nationally and opened me up to a wider jazz network, which includes mainland Europe. The support of the Jazz North team has been crucial.”
— previous Northern Line Artist
The Timeline
1 October 2025: Applications Open (midday)
7 November 2025: Applications Close (midday)
10-12 December 2025: Offer interviews (on Zoom)*
15 December 2025: Roster finalised
17 December 2025: All applicants notified
13 February 2026: Roster announced
1 March 2026: Programme starts (online induction day in March)
1 May 2026: Touring period begins
17 May 2025: Northern Line Showcase at Manchester Jazz Festival**
1 October 2027: Programme ends: all touring activity to be completed
Northern Line Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must:
Be over 18 (no upper age limit)
Be based in the North of England (North West, North East, Yorkshire & Humber)
Have a high standard of performance that is ready to tour
Be playing original music
Be an ensemble (or solo performer) with an evidenced track record of performance
Be able to evidence experience of booking and performing live shows to an audience
Be able to rehearse and perform with the ensemble applying to the scheme
Be able to commit time to Jazz North meetings, administration, practice and touring
Be primarily focused on live touring (this is the focus of the scheme)
We want to see bands/artists with a highly engaging live performance.
We’re all about celebrating jazz in its many forms – if you connect to jazz and jazz-influenced genres then we’d encourage you to apply to Northern Line.