Composers’ Fund

About PRS Foundation: We invest in the future of music by supporting talent development and new music across the UK; enabling songwriters and composers of all backgrounds to realise their potential and reach audiences across the world.

PRS Foundation’s Composers’ Fund is an opportunity for composers with a strong track record, giving direct access to funding at pivotal stages in their career. A contribution of up to £10,000 is available to composers who are already making a significant cultural contribution in the UK and have the potential for greater impact in the UK and overseas.

Managed by PRS Foundation in partnership with Jerwood Arts The Composers’ Fund supports up to 15 composers per year who can make the case for the kind of support that would enable them to make a significant step change in their career.

Previous projects have included recordings, the promotion and performance of existing works, international co-commissions and development, performer collaboration, residencies, sabbaticals or childcare costs and project or promotional support. Previous recipients include the recent Award winners Charlotte Bray, James Weeks, Hilda Paredes, Gavin Higgins and Erika Fox.

We will consider every application on a case-by-case basis. We are inviting composers to propose anything that would make a significant difference to their long term development. This for example might include the following areas or others: -Recording -Promotion/performance of existing works – to get existing pieces performed again/toured in UK and internationally -International co-commissions – assistance for composers to establish relationships with commissioning bodies overseas -International development – travel to build relationships or spend time overseas, working with festivals or ensembles -Performer collaboration – time to work more closely with performers -Residencies/sabbaticals – with clearly defined artistic end result(s) -Project or promotional support -Childcare costs -A combination of any of the above -Anything a composer can make a valid case for

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE COMPOSERS’ FUND? -Composers with a strong track record in their field who are at a point in their development where access to funding could help move forward their career. -Composers who are already making a significant cultural contribution in the UK and have the potential for greater impact in the UK and overseas. -Composers writing primarily for live performance. -Composers must be based in the UK and must be members of PRS for Music or in a position to join. -Composers who are able to demonstrate critical acclaim and who have tangible potential to achieve significant profile.

CRITERIA: When assessing applications to this fund, we will be considering the impact of the proposed activity on the development of the composer’s music and profile, and the track record and quality of the applicant composer.

-Applicants should focus on demonstrating how the proposed funding will support the long term development of their career and their music. -In every case, decision panels will consider the potential of the activity proposed in making a significant impact on the composer in question. -Good applications will also demonstrate the composer’s determination and passion for this next step in their career.

The Composers’ Fund is aimed at established composers who can already demonstrate their impact in their field in either the UK or overseas. Jerwood Arts support for the Fund means that we are able to support a number of composers each year who are at a pivotal point within the first 10 years of their career. If you are a composer who is not at this pivotal level we would recommend you apply to our Open funding schemes.

WHAT CAN’T BE FUNDED? -Organisations seeking funding for commissions via a composer applying on their behalf -An investment where the composer has not made clear how there will potential for a step change in their profile

WHO CAN’T APPLY? -Those not based in the UK -Those previously in receipt of The PPL Momentum Fund, The Writer Producer Fund or Hitmaker cannot apply to The Composers’ Fund