Each year, 18 composers progress to the final stage of the In Motion application process, with 10 selected to join the programme and 8 receiving the Seed Award.

Selection was a rigorous process informed by our Fair Access Principles which helps us ensure our programmes are inclusive and equitable, reflecting the rich diversity of the UK’s music scene. Our selection panel was deeply impressed by the calibre of the 350 applications received.

This year’s Seed Award recipients exemplify the innovative spirit and artistic excellence that we strive to support. They are:

• Lia Mice (Q&A)
• Lucy Hackett (Q&A)
• Rieko Whitfield (Q&A)
• Genevieve Dawson (Q&A)
• SHHE (Q&A)
• Ellen Beth Abdi (Q&A)
• David Sappa (Q&A)
• Alliyah Enyo (Q&A)

We are excited to witness the growth and achievements of this year’s Seed Award recipients and look forward to supporting their journey.

The Seed Award recipients receive a targeted package of support designed to nurture their creative potential and advance their projects, including:

• A £250 contribution for the research and development of a specific project
• Three coaching sessions with an accredited coach
• Three strategic thinking sessions with a dedicated team member
• An invitation to a workshop on fundraising and grants
• A networking session with fellow awardees
• An invitation to Sound and Music’s composer Discord server

Between 2019 and 2022, the Seed Award was offered to shortlisted applicants for the New Voices artist development programme. Sound and Music supported 37 composers with a Seed Award over this period and will continue to support composers in this way through the In Motion application process.

We reflect on and evaluate the Seed Award annually, and in 2022 we increased our offer in line with internal and external feedback as we aim to make our work more impactful.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to our expert selection panel—Lara Jones, Mariam Rezaei, Tamsin Elliott, Tunde Jegede, LUNATRAKTORS, and Anthony R. Green, alongside Sound and Music’s Creative Project Leaders. Their dedication ensures that our cohorts represent a broad spectrum of genres and backgrounds.

Sound and Music is the UK’s national charity for new music, committed to sustaining careers, advancing creativity, and achieving greater equity across the music industry.