In the dynamic, fast-moving world of electronic music, emerging creatives and aspiring professionals can often find themselves seeking advice, deeper knowledge and – crucially – financial support when looking to bring their artistic visions to life.
There are plenty of schemes, funds, grants and beginner’s opportunities out there, sure, but wearisome application processes, long-winded forms and high demand for such projects can often deter those who are struggling to make those first crucial moves to realise their dreams, or looking to expand their current work out in newer, or bigger directions.
During the pandemic, London-based DJ, producer and Earth Kicks label head Mina began working with fellow creatives, collectives and artists on their applications and grant writing, having herself been a successful recipient of arts funding. The goal was to open eyes to the opportunities available and make the process to winning them, or benefitting from them, less of a headache.
The support was a success, and, a little later, in February 2022, the Funding with Mina platform was born. A more visible, and even more accessible, continuation of her existing work, the creatives-tailored platform offers free advice, tips, resources and support – with more bespoke services and support also available.
Later this week, Mina is hosting a funding workshop at a new music industry conference, Orbit Live, which is taking place at Haggeston’s The Halley Space on 22 September. Ahead of time, we asked Mina to run us through some of her favourite and most recommended resources, from Instagram accounts to grant programmes, for creatives working within UK electronic music.
@minamusicuk Ive recorded a new mix for Konbini Radio > full of shatta, bouyon, dancehall, soca and unreleased Mina tracks! Track ID: Natoxie – Gyal accroupi x ??? #bouyon #shatta ♬ original sound – 🌥 MINA 🌥
The White Pube
The White Pube has a really great funding library which features a whole range of different UK funds. You can search for examples of successful applications, which is really useful if you’re feeling stuck or don’t know where to start with applying for funding.
The Uncultured
The Uncultured has a great list of resources primarily related to grant programmes at Arts Council England. The resources include templates, planners, cheat sheets and data on costs.
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Elijah's Instagram account
Whilst not specifically a funding page, Elijah’s Instagram account offers new ways of thinking about club culture and the music industry. A great funding application will present innovative ideas and new ways of working, so I recommend using some of Elijah’s strategies when thinking of a project plan.
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On the Move
On the Move is a network that provides info on funding for travel, education and work for creatives. They have over 60 national and regional mobility funding guides. They also have a database with more than 2000 grants, scholarships, residencies, and other opportunities – so if you’re looking for funding to travel abroad, then OTM would be a good one to check out. They also have an Instagram page where they post round-ups of opportunities.
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My Funding with Mina page
My page posts monthly round-ups of funding opportunities for creatives. I post a lot of music opportunities, so keep an eye on my page for the latest open funds. I also occasionally run free online workshops, so keep an eye out for those too!
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Artsadmin Anchor
Artsadmin Anchor is a weekly email newsletter for artists and arts professionals in the UK with a round-up of information on funding, commissions, platforms, calls for artists, seminars, workshops, courses, resources, jobs, opportunities, studio space and more.
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Help Musicians
Help Musicians is one of the leading charities for music funding in the UK. Its grant programmes include a record and release fund, a touring and live fund, and a grant for creative collaboration. It also offers hardship funding and mental health support or support if you suffer a physical injury. Its funding programmes are rolling and the team offer great feedback if you are not successful so you can reapply.
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Roundhouse Young Creatives
If you are based in London, the Roundhouse Young Creatives is a great scheme at the Roundhouse in Camden. It offers opportunities such as cheap studio spaces, mentorship and business development, financial support, workshops and courses. I used the Roundhouse spaces when I was younger – it was £2 an hour for the studio hire then, which is really cheap!
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Youth Music NextGen Fund
The Youth Music NextGen Fund offers young creatives aged 18-25 grants of up to £2,500 to make their ideas happen. This fund is geared towards emerging musicians and behind the scenes creatives; it’s got a really broad scope, you could release an EP, start an event, a radio show, run a workshop, start a label. I highly recommend this grant if you have never applied for funding before. There are four rounds a year.
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Developing Your Creative Practice
Developing Your Creative Practice is the grant programme for individual creatives from Arts Council England. It’s for creatives who are ready to take a step change in their practice – this could be through training, education, mentoring, a residency or collaboration. For example, DJs can apply to learn a new skill like music production. It’s got a really broad scope and the grant is up to £12,000 so one of the biggest for individual creatives in England. There are also four rounds a year.
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Mina will host a funding workshop at Orbit Live, The Halley Space, on 22 September
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