£800,000 global touring fund supports 29 rising UK artists
The BPI, the trade association for the UK’s record companies and labels and the representative voice of British recorded music, today announces details of the latest (25th) round of Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS) funding.
Developed and administered by the BPI, MEGS boosts music exports by supporting small-to-medium-sized, independent UK companies as they build the commercial profile of their artists in key international markets. It is a successful partnership between industry and the UK Government with joint funding received from the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) alongside investment from the UK recorded music industry, which on average contributes 64% of total spend.
For this £800,000 round, funding has been distributed to support 29 UK artists from a range of genres and backgrounds as they look to build their international profiles. Artists receiving support in this round include caroline, Fat Dog, Ibibio Sound Machine, Lizzie Berchie, The Royston Club and others – a full list of recipients is below.
As international touring costs continue to rise and global competition intensifies, MEGS is essential both to British SME music businesses looking to break new talent on the global stage, and to artists aiming to build their audiences internationally. To date, the scheme has supported the international careers of over 540 British artists including Rina Sawayama, Self Esteem, Jungle, Young Fathers and Kae Tempest, alongside multiple BRIT Award winners including Dave, Ezra Collective and Wolf Alice.
MEGS has now invested over £10 million in British music, leading to over £81.5 million in financial return to the UK economy and a return on investment from completed rounds of nearly £14 for every £1 received from Government.
Applications for the 26th round of MEGS funding are now open until Monday, 7th September at this link.
See NOTES below for the full recipient artist list and see here for artist quotes and images.
Dr Jo Twist OBE, CEO of the BPI, said:
“Congratulations to the 29 UK artists being awarded grants in this latest round of Music Export Growth Scheme funding. They join over 500 other acts who have been supported by the Scheme since its inception, including some of the biggest names in British music.
“MEGS is a vital springboard for independent artists and businesses looking to reach global audiences, and a powerful example of what can be achieved when the UK Government and recorded music industry come together to support the next generation of British talent on the world stage.”
Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, said:
“The UK has a world-class music sector, and I’m determined to make sure this continues to play a crucial role in our economy.
“This scheme has already supported Mercury Prize and BRIT Award-winning artists and underlines our commitment to help independent musicians reach new audiences.
“MEGS is exactly what this Government is about – backing businesses to succeed and showing off our talent on the world stage.”
Ian Murray, Minister of State for DCMS, said:
“This country consistently punches above its weight in music, producing so many of the pioneering artists loved around the world. And some of our most notable talent was helped onto a global stage through the Music Export Growth Scheme - from Wolf Alice and Self Esteem to Jungle and Dave.
“In a time where the landscape of music and touring can be challenging for artists, this scheme can be the difference between an artist breaking through or stalling internationally. That’s why we’re backing the sector with Turn It Up, the Government’s plan for music, which includes a £45 million Music Growth Package. Congratulations to the successful artists.”