This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. To find out more about our use of cookies click here OK
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. To find out more about our use of cookies click here. OK

Home > New partnerships to increase involvement with European projects ahead of Brexit

UK music industry increases involvement with European projects ahead of Brexit

  • PRS Foundation joins European Talent Exchange Programme to support independent UK artists touring across Europe
  • Eurosonic Noorderslag joins PRS Foundation’s Keychange network of festivals aiming for a 50:50 gender balance by 2022
  • UK takes part in European Music Export Exchange network

PRS Foundation announces today more partnerships which strengthen its relationship with promoters and festivals across Europe ahead of Brexit, increasing opportunities for emerging UK artists to break into European markets.

In January 2018, PRS Foundation is joining Eurosonic Noorderslag’s European Talent Exchange Programme (ETEP), which assists artists to cross borders in Europe and access new markets. PRS Foundation has also welcomed this important Dutch festival to Keychange, a pioneering programme which encourages festivals to aim for a 50:50 gender balance by 2022 as part of an international programme which empowers female artists and innovators to transform the future of the industry.

The importance of Europe as a territory for the UK’s music creators was highlighted earlier this year by the UK’s collection society PRS for Music, when it revealed that 58% of their International revenue came from royalty payments from Europe in 2016.  The continued importance of promoting new music overseas and removing any barriers created by costly administration or bureaucracy around touring, visas or opportunities for collaboration was also highlighted in UK Music’s ‘Music Manifesto (2017), particularly as the UK approaches withdrawal from the European Union,.’

Vanessa Reed, Chief Executive of PRS Foundation said, “The European market is a crucial territory for UK music creators and musicians. It’s normally their first entry point for export and international collaboration and so its vital that artists can easily travel across borders. By joining these European networks – which include over 100 festivals and promoters – we are significantly extending development, collaboration and export opportunities for UK artists who want to take their first steps into European markets.  The artists and companies we work with are concerned about the potential impact of Brexit negotiations on future freedoms and rights. Stronger working relationships with European partners will be key to navigating through any changes this political process brings.”

Michael Dugher, Chief Executive of UK Music said: “There has never been a more important time to strengthen relationships with our European partners.  These excellent initiatives from PRS Foundation will help foster those links.  With Brexit around the corner, it remains crucial that we do all we can to ensure musicians, creators, crew and equipment can continue to travel across borders without extra red tape and expense.”

Ruud Berends, Eursonic Noorderslag Coordinator Conference & ETEP said: “We are very happy to announce this mutual cooperation and involvement especially in this important time of change and division. Eurosonic Noorderslag is proud, to have PRS Foundation support ETEP and Eurosonic Noorderslag support Keychange.
PRS Foundation also represents the UK’s music export agencies in the European Music Export Exchange (EMEE), the network of 20 Country export offices who collaborate towards the common goal of increasing the circulation of European repertoire.