Frequently Asked Questions
When is the deadline?
4th March 2013, 6pm. We will be unable to accept any applications after this point.
When will we find out about if our application is successful?
By the end of March 2013. The successful projects will be publicly announced in April 2013.
Are there two stages to the application process?
Unlike our funding for Organisations and Individuals, there is only one stage to this application process. We require the submission of a budget at this stage. A template is provided in the online application form.
Who is on the judging panel?
Short listing will be undertaken by representatives of the funding partners. The final panel will be made of five independent experts representing different music genres. Their names will be announced by the end of February 2013.
Can my application be submitted by an organisation overseas?
No- the lead organisation MUST be based in the UK, with a registered UK address.
Can the composer be based overseas?
No- as with all our usual funding criteria, they must be based in the UK.
It will be difficult to get the organisation to perform at both weekend showcases. Is this a problem?
Yes. We expect all 20 works to be performed at each showcase event.
The composer we are commissioning cannot make one of/both of the showcase weekends. Can we still apply?
No- the New Music Biennial is designed to create new audiences for exciting new music, and one of the ways we do this is by encouraging the composers and musicians to reach out to their audience through various means, including workshops and composer talks.
Can my organisation apply for the full £20,000, even if we may not use all of it for this project?
No- all expenditure MUST relate to the project you are applying to us for. We advise that you apply for the appropriate amount.
What can the £20,000 grant pay for?
This should be used to cover the music creator fee, performances (including performer and production costs), travel/accommodation costs and any international work. Your budget should include a realistic estimation of the costs of performing in at least three different locations, including Glasgow and London’s Southbank Centre. We envisage that you may have to fundraise from other sources to fully realise your project. Showing evidence of how you will do this will strengthen your application.
Within the total grant amount you may include a reasonable sum for the administration costs of the project and up to 10% contingency.
As with all our other funding schemes, we will not be able to provide funding for the purchase of musical instruments, equipment or recording costs.
We don’t have a confirmed performance/premiere date for the work.
We anticipate that this will be a very competitive scheme and we ask that all works are performed at least once in addition to the Southbank Centre, London, and Glasgow showcase weekends. Your application will be strengthened if you can show a track record of securing multiple performances.
What if I’m not working with an international partner?
An international dimension is compulsory but the way that you interpret this is flexible: e.g. there might be an international theme or concept behind the commission or you might be working with groups from different cultural backgrounds in the UK.
Also, please note that collaboration between different UK nations will be considered as international.
If I was involved in New Music 20×12, can I still apply to the New Music Biennial?
Yes, but we will be prioritising new applicants.
What does ‘international dimension’ mean?
We want you to give us your interpretation of ‘international’. These could be along the lines of:
- a commission based on an international theme or idea
- collaborations between performers/organisations/composers from different UK nations which will be classed as international partnerships
- an ensemble/venue from the UK co-commissioning a new work by a UK-based composer with a partner from overseas
- a commissioning body working with partners overseas to tour their commission by a UK-based composer
- a music collective writing and/or performing with musicians from beyond the UK
- projects that explore identity and internationalism with the wide range of different cultural communities in the UK
Can the work be 5 minutes long?
We do not have a minimum length of work, but would suggest that they are within the range of 10-15 minutes.
Can someone in PRSF look over my application before I submit it?
No, sorry- we cannot advise or review any applications before they are submitted.
Can you guarantee that all commission ideas remain confidential?
Yes.
Can I speak to someone for more help?
We are small team at PRSF. We would love to hear from you but regrettably we are unable to answer any queries by phone.
If you have any further questions, please email info@prsformusicfoundation.com. Please note that it may take up to 7 working days to respond to your enquiry.