Today we’re delighted to reveal the 11 outstanding recipients of Sound and Music’s inaugural Essentials Fund. The fund is in response to the ever-increasing financial challenges of emerging and original music creators in the UK today. It provides vital financial support to help artists overcome barriers and purchase the tools and resources they need.
Open to all UK based composers, music creators, and artists working creatively with sound and music, the Essentials Fund provides small grants between £250 and £400, to empower artists to bring their creative visions to life.
The response to Essentials Fund: Round 1 was truly astounding. From a record-breaking number of applications, over 230, our panel has selected 11 exceptional artists to receive the first round of funding. These artists represent the immense talent, diversity, and creativity within the UK’s music-making community, spanning a wide range of genres and creative approaches.
Congratulations to:
- James Myers
- Rightkeysonly
- Rebecca Burden
- Stella Z
- Adam Matschulat
- Toni Oisin H.C.
- Ellie Ford
- Ch’Lu
- Cindy Islam
- Ailie Robertson
- Boris Allenou
The recipients of Round 1 will receive vital funding for various projects to help unlock the next step in their unique creative journey, including acquiring specialist music equipment, attending workshops and courses, hiring collaborators, purchasing software, and covering venue hire for events.
Applications for the second round of the Essentials Fund will open in early 2025, with at least 20 composers expected to benefit from the programme annually.
About the Essentials Fund
The Essentials Fund is a symbol of Sound and Music’s enduring commitment to empowering artists. Launched in 2024, it was created to address the growing need for flexible, small-scale funding opportunities in the music industry. The fund continues the legacy of the Francis Chagrin Award, empowering creative talent who face barriers, are underrepresented or socio-economically disadvantaged across the UK.
For more information about the Essentials Fund, including how to apply for Round 2, subscribe to our newsletter and follow Sound and Music on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
About Sound and Music
Sound and Music is the UK’s charity for new music and sound. Our mission is to be the base camp for anyone in the UK who wants to make, experience or support new music and sound to shape the modern world.
We deliver artist-centred development programmes and essential funding to young, emerging and established artists breaking new ground across music-making in the UK. We lead research, campaigns, networks, archives and collections to further originality, discovery and equity within music.
For over 15 years Sound and Music has worked with thousands of music creators and hundreds of organisations to boost musical creativity, careers, cultures and communities; progressing inclusion and representation within new music in the UK.
The Essentials Fund is made possible through the generous support of Arts Council England and the Francis Chagrin Award.
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