Launchpad Fund - 2024
The Launchpad Fund aims to help talented artists or bands in Wales to further their music careers by providing them with vital access to finance. Eligible artists, bands or labels can apply.
Launchpad Fund
Part of the Horizons scheme, the Launchpad fund is a resource which helps talented artists or bands in Wales to further their music careers by providing them with vital access to finance.
Launchpad, as implied by the name, is for those starting out on their musical journey, at a crucial point in their development. It is to help support activities that will help music makers fulfil their potential. We’re looking for artists/bands that can demonstrate interest from audiences and those that work in the music industry (such as labels or critics) but need support to enable them to carry out an activity that will enable them to increase their reach.
Artists, bands or Wales-based labels can apply but the activity must focus on the artist.
We want Launchpad to be reflective of our rich and diverse music community in Wales. Applications from global majority and artists are encouraged. We particularly welcome submissions for disabled applicants.. We support original artists and bands from all non-classical music genres.
We will be offering awards of up to £2,000 each.
What kind of activity might Launchpad Support?
We’re looking for things that you think will take your music careers ‘to the next level’ in these challenging times. It may be that you want to use this time to do a collaborative project online. Or that you’re planning to release music but need support to creatively promote, perhaps though live performance. Or that you want to work with someone to bring out the best in what you do. We’re not limited to these examples (and the more innovative the better) but in the application you’ll need to explain:
- How much funding you’re asking for and what it will be spent on?
- What activity the funding will enable you to do?
- How that activity will help your music career
- Why now is the best time?
We expect that the fund will receive a lot of applications so be reasonable in your costings – we’ll have to consider value for money and how appropriate the ask is, given the stage in your career.
What will Launchpad not fund?
- We cannot fund anything that cannot safely take place.
- We cannot fund your time (as wages or loss of earnings).
- We also cannot fund international travel and associated expenses.
- Whilst we will fund equipment, there needs to be a clear rationale. Tell us how it will be used and why it is needed.
- We cannot fund vehicles
Who can apply to Launchpad?
Launchpad will be open to Wales based artists/bands writing, producing and performing original contemporary popular music. Wales based independent labels are able to apply but the activity must focus on their artist/s or band. Music genres include MOBO, indie, electronic, urban, pop, rock, world, folk and emerging contemporary music genres.
Eligible bands must have a significant proportion of the group living in Wales.
Solo artists must live in Wales.
Labels must be based in Wales and the artist/band/s that benefit from application must meet eligible criteria for age and location and agree to T&Cs.
Artists/bands/labels must be able to prove that they are over 18 years of age on the date of entry.
Artists/bands/labels must also comply with the set out below.
Artist/bands/labels can apply only once.
Please note, successful artists from the last two rounds of the Launchpad Fund (2022/23 and 2023/24) will not be eligible to apply for the funding in 2024.
As Launchpad is aimed at an earlier stage music development, priority will be given to artists/bands that have not received awards from other music funds aimed at more established music projects, e.g. PRS Foundation’s Accelerator or Momentum.
How to apply for Launchpad?
You’ll need to fill in an application form, answering all of the questions. .
Please note apply.
Completed applications will need to be submitted by midnight on Wednesday 30th October, 2024.
Unfortunately, due to the high number of applications we receive, we’ll not be able to provide individual feedback on unsuccessful applications.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us via e-mail horizons@bbc.co.uk.
