PRS Foundation announces partnership with Arts Council of Wales and Welsh Government forthe Momentum Music Fund

• Welsh artists at crucial tipping points can now apply for vital funding

• Grants of between £5,000 – £15,000 available

• Full partnership revealed at Focus Wales 2018

UK, Thursday 10th May 2018: PRS Foundation, the UK’s leading charitable funder of new music and talent development, has today announced a new partnership with Arts Council of Wales – a Welsh Government-sponsored body responsible for funding and developing the arts in Wales – and the Welsh Government, to support its Momentum Music Fund. Since it was created in 2013, the Momentum Music Fund has established a reputation for funding, supporting and spotlighting talent at crucial tipping points in their careers.

The new partnership, fully revealed at Focus Wales 2018,means that talented Welsh artists at the right career stage cannow apply for vital Momentum support to aid their development. The pioneering initiative provides career-boosting grants of between £5,000- £15,000 to acts at a pivotal time in their creative and business development.

This follows the announcement last month that Creative Scotland has also become a Momentum Music Fund partner. These Scottish and Welsh partners will be contributing funds and expertise to this unique fund. Artists based anywhere in the whole of the UK can now apply for Momentum funding to support activities such as recording, touring and marketing. Artists must be at a tipping point in their careers, showing current progression and growth with significant potential to continue developing.

The fund boasts huge success stories including Anna Meredith, Years & Years, Little Simz, Public Service Broadcasting, Bugzy Malone, Yungen, Lapsley and Oh Wonder.

Vanessa Reed, CEO at PRS Foundation said, “We’re delighted to announce this new partnershipwhich will extend and strengthen our pioneering Momentum Music Fund.  This collaboration between Welsh Government, Arts Council of Wales and Creative Scotland with PRS Foundation, PPL and Spotify is a great example of the music industry collaborating with government as proposed by the recent DCMS and BEIS Creative Industries Sector Deal.I’m sure this will have a transformational impact on Welsh musicians over the coming years and I look forward to seeing the diverse range of Welsh acts that apply.”

Lisa Matthews-Jones, Portfolio Managerat Arts Council of Wales said, “Providing opportunities for Welsh talent from all backgrounds to fulfil their potential is a huge priority for us. Working with colleagues in Welsh Government and the UK music Sector, we’re excited to be supporting Momentum as another development initiative for emerging musicians to secure a sustainable career, connecting their music to new audiences.”

Welsh Government Culture Minister, Lord Elis-Thomas said “I’m very pleased to see the Welsh Government working with partners to deliver such potentially transformative, timely support. I hope to see it open up options and avenues for talented artists across Wales as they look to forge a career in what can be a very difficult profession. Who knows – it may just be the boost the next Welsh star needs.”

Since 2013 the Momentum Music Fund has supported over 270 artists, over 160 new albums and more than 170 totalling over 1,000 UK live dates.

Managed by PRS Foundation, the Momentum Music Fund awards grants of up to £15,000 using funds from PRS Foundation, PPL, Arts Council of Wales, Welsh Government and Creative Scotland. Spotify contributes additional funding and a reward package containing exciting promotional opportunities and a close working relationship between Momentum artists and the Spotify team. PRS Foundation and Arts Council England initiated The Momentum Music Fund in 2013. Arts Council England originally established the need for this specific fund and supported the programme from 2013-18.

The next deadline for application submissions is 29 May 2018 at 6.00pm

To find out more information please visit www.prsfoundation.com.