Music recordings and labels, and Grants for the Arts
Contents
1 Grants for the Arts 2
2 Music recordings and labels, and Grants for the Arts 2
3 Music recordings and Grants for the Arts 2
3.1 What you can apply for 3
4 Music Labels and Grants for the Arts 4
4.2 What you can apply for 4
4.2 What you cannot apply for 5
5 Further information 5
6 Contact us 5
1 Grants for the Arts
Grants for the Arts (GFTA) is our Lottery-funded grant programme for individuals, arts organisations and other people who use the arts in their work. Grants are available for activities carried out over a set period and which engage people in England in arts activities and help artists and arts organisations in England carry out their work.
Activities we support must be clearly related to the arts and must be project-based, up to a maximum of three years in length. Grants normally range from £1,000 to £100,000 and we can fund up to 90 per cent of the cost of an activity.
All applicants must also read the ‘How to apply guidance’. Download it from our website or contact us for a copy.
2 Music recordings and labels, and Grants for the Arts
This information sheet is specifically concerned with giving advice to individuals and organisations intending to apply to Grants for the Arts for music based activities related to:
· Making and distributing recordings
· Record label development
If you are applying from the Contemporary Popular music sector, you should also read our information sheet ‘Contemporary Popular Music Genres, and Grants for the Arts’. Download it from our Grants for the Arts information sheets page, or contact us for a copy.
3 Music recordings and Grants for the Arts
Grants for the Arts can support costs associated with producing and distributing recordings. We are aware of the value of recording work and there are circumstances where support can be given.
3.1 What you can apply for
Grants for the Arts could potentially support:
Part of the artwork
For example, where a recording is required as an integral part of the performance of a work (e.g. sound installation, audio visual performance, etc.). In this instance you would need to tell us about the wider activity within which the recording work would sit, and you might be applying for funds to support that wider activity.
Where an artist can evidence a strong artistic track record and would clearly benefit from producing a recording in terms of artistic development
For example, developing new original work that challenges your current practice or collaborating with other artists/musicians to experiment with new ideas. You need to evidence that the activity you would be applying for is appropriate to your stage of development and profile. Critically, you need to show what will happen to the recording. We need to have confidence that you understand who your target audience/market for the recording is, and have a clear understanding of what they will gain from the recording and how you will reach them. Are there any innovative ways you can show or distribute your work? Simply stating that you will make a recording and put it on your website as a download or will make it available at a launch will be unlikely to result in success.
Where recordings are being produced to promote or support a wider activity
For example, by increasing income for the activity, or as part of a targeted marketing campaign or audience development initiative, or for use in the evaluation of an activity.
If a recording is being produced as merchandise to support the costs of a wider activity (e.g. a tour) expected income from the sales should be shown in the budget section of the application form, under ‘earned income’. You will also need to align the need for the recording with our Grants for the Arts criteria for public engagement.
If a recording is being produced primarily to promote an artist within a wider activity, please be aware that you will need to provide evidence of a strong artistic track record appropriate to the emphasis being placed on the recording. Also, remember that one of our application criteria is public engagement; you need to show how the recording will result in public benefit (for example for audiences).
Education and training
We would consider supporting recording work where the intention is for it to be used for training or education purposes, however applicants should be aware that such activity would need to be innovative and of high value to the target market. You should refer to our general guidance notes on eligibility when embarking on a training or education activity as there are some circumstances where we will not support this kind of work. For example we would not provide a grant for an activity that includes elements that would replace statutory provision, or is primarily related to supporting a student’s coursework.
Purchase of software or home-recording equipment
Please note that applications for these kinds of asset purchases are unlikely to be successful unless they form a part of a wider activity.
4 Music Labels and Grants for the Arts
There are circumstances under which Grants for the Arts might support activities concerned directly with the creation and development of recording labels. We can also fund existing labels to undertake artistic activities or organisational development.
4.1 What you can apply for
Grants for the Arts could potentially support:
· a collective or partnership approach
· where a gap in provision can be identified and strong demand shown
· pilot activity to test new ideas
· using digital technologies to reach and engage new audiences, enhance networks and increase participation
· research and development
· organisational development
4.2 What you cannot apply for
Grants for the Arts would not be able to support:
· General or ongoing costs. Grants for the Arts supports specific time-limited activities. Applications to support general ongoing activities will be ineligible. If, for example, your proposal is a pilot to test for activity that would be expected to continue beyond the term of your grant, you should show how this activity would be sustainable without continued support from Grants for the Arts in your application
· Activity that results directly in profits being made from the activity being applied for. Please read the budget section of the How to apply guidance for more information.
5 Further information
Musicians Union
BPI (British Recorded Music Industry)
Music Managers Forum
(AIM (Association of independent music)
Generator
6 Contact us
Phone: 0845 300 6200, 0161 934 4317
Textphone: 0161 934 4428
Email:
Website: www.artscouncil.org.uk
Post: Arts Council England - Grants for the Arts,
The Hive, 49 Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1FN
© Arts Council England January 2016
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