UK touring acts given £1.6m global funding boost

UK record industry trade association the BPI has announced details of a £1.6 million (€1.9m) funding round, which will support dozens of British acts touring abroad.

The government-backed Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS) is designed to boost British music exports by supporting small-to-medium-sized, independent UK companies as they build their artists in key markets overseas.

A total of 58 artists will benefit from the 23rd round of MEGS funding, including Blossoms, Nubiyan Twist, Wunderhorse, Far Caspian, Jadu Heart and Fat Dog, who were the European Talent Exchange’s most-booked act of 2024.

“At a time where new acts face increasing global competition, the Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS) is needed more than ever to enable the next generation of British talent to reach international audiences and grow their profile,” says BPI chief strategy officer Sophie Jones. “It is a genuine game-changer for the artists supported through the scheme, a critical resource for the UK’s burgeoning independent sector, and a proven financial success with a significant return on investment and boost to exports.”

Developed and administered by the BPI, the initiative is jointly funded by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), alongside investment from the UK recorded music industry.

“The 58 incredible acts supported by this latest round of MEGS funding are testament to the diverse creative talent that exists across the whole of the UK”

“The 58 incredible acts supported by this latest round of MEGS funding are testament to the diverse creative talent that exists across the whole of the UK,” adds Jones. “We welcome the government’s continued support of this essential scheme, and look forward to developing continuing our partnership in the years to come.”

Through 23 rounds over the last 11 years, the scheme has invested over £7.9 million in British music, leading to an estimated £73.5m financial return to the UK economy. It has supported the international careers of more than 450 British artists including Dave, Rina Sawayama, Self Esteem, Jungle, Young Fathers, Kae Tempest and Ezra Collective.

“The Music Export Growth Scheme has helped so many of our talented homegrown artists launch their careers internationally,” says culture secretary Lisa Nandy. “As part of our Plan for Change, we are supporting our creative industries to reach their full potential including through this latest round of funding, which will help the next generation of artists to tour abroad, market themselves to new audiences and showcase the best of British culture and creativity to the world.”

The full list of recipient artists from the latest funding round is as follows: Panic :Over, Andrew Cushin, Anna B Savage, Antony Szmierek, Aurora Orchestra with Abel Selaocoe, bar italia, BLACKGOLD, Blossoms, Cassia, Coach Party, corto.alto. Dan Whitlam, Dana Masters, Divorce, Dolores Forever, Ego Ella May, Electric Enemy, Fabiana Palladino, Far Caspian, Fat Dog, Flyte, Grace Davies, Halina Rice, Heartworms, HotWax, Jadu Heart, Katy J Pearson, Kokoroko, Lambrini Girls, London Contemporary Orchestra, Lusaint, Maribou State, Matt Maltese, Ms Banks, Nippa, Nova Twins, Nubiyan Twist, Oscar Jerome, Penelope Trappes, Punk Rock Factory, Red Rum Club, Robocobra Quartet, Rosie Lowe, Ryan McMullan, SOFT PLAY, Somebody’s Child, Songer, Tara Lily, The Bug Club, The K’s, The Lottery Winners, The Molotovs, The Vernon Spring, The Wellermen, Tom Speight, Tunng, Tyler Lewis, Wunderhorse.

Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.

Read More Like This

News|23 Oct 2024

German arena plans receive huge funding boost

The long-delayed 7,000-cap Würzburg Arena project has taken a major step forward after the city approved a funding package

News|17 Dec 2024

Liveurope’s €2.8m EU funding boost for new talent

The platform, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, has had its funding renewed for the fourth time in a row

News|07 Oct 2024

New Bristol venue sets sights on big touring acts

The 3,000-capacity Prospect Building has been launched by London-based electronic promoter A Man About A Dog

News|07 Nov 2024

Jon Ollier on touring, breaking acts & Ed Sheeran

The leading agent and One Fiinix Live founder gives his verdict on the current health of the UK live business in an interview with IQ

News|11 Dec 2024

Call to overhaul withholding tax for touring acts

The European Music Managers Alliance claims the current system has caused some artists to lose money on otherwise profitable tours