Continuing support: both the City Music Foundation and the Continuo Foundation announce plans for supporting artists in 2024

CMF Artists on the Hogarth Stair at St Bartholomew's Hospital in 2021

Two foundations that regularly support performers have announced plans for the coming year, with the City Music Foundation opening applications for 2024 artists, and the Continuo Foundation announcing its latest grant-making initiative (its seventh).

The City Music Foundation (CMF) has announced the opening of applications for 2024. Emerging solo performers and ensembles in classical, jazz and folk can apply for the CMF's programme of artist mentoring and support. During the very fragile early stages of a professional career, CMF helps artists to develop their unique creative vision, and gaining recognition and a network within the music industry, with the aim of guiding them towards a secure and sustainable future in the profession.

This year there had been a slight change of approach, responding to discussions with artists and to the changes in the financial climate. The CMF will now focus on particular projects, and it has been in project-based support that artists have found most impactful and inspirational. 

2024 applications will be for CMF funding to support for a particular project of either a large (up to £10,000) or small (<£500) sum. The chosen artists will also receive a generous programme of professional development alongside the funding; mentoring will remain integral to the programme, as well as CMF-promoted performances.

Full details from the CMF website, deadline is 25 March 2024.

The Continuo Foundation has announced its seventh grant-making initiative for UK period instrument ensembles. In this new round, £100,000 in grants will be made available for live early music concert tours and other exceptional artistic projects taking place across the UK between April and October 2024.

This will bring the total disbursed by the Continuo Foundation to £750,000. The foundation has awarded grants to 85 period-instrument ensembles, supporting 145 projects to date. These initiatives have benefited 970 freelance musicians and brought uplifting music to nearly 100,000 audience members across 150 UK locations and online. 

Project proposals will be accepted from both established and emerging ensembles, and 40% of the funds allocated in Grant Round Six were dedicated to the recently formed ensemble category. Grants for the current round will range from £2000 to £8000, and the application submission deadline is 9 February 2024.Full details from the Continuo Foundation website.

Continuo Foundation Performances