Arts Council England’s Music Growth Fund offers grants to UK music organisations and businesses undertaking ambitious activity that supports sustainable and inclusive growth in new music and the wider music industry. Funding can help organisations strengthen their capacity, develop artists and the workforce, reach new audiences and markets, and build a more resilient music sector.
Who can apply?
- UK-based music industry organisations and businesses, including micro, small and medium-sized companies and sole traders
- Charities, Community Interest Companies, not-for-profit organisations and eligible consortia
- Music festivals, managers, promoters, publishers, record labels, recording studios, rehearsal spaces, grassroots music venues and sector-support organisations
- Applicants that develop, promote, platform or distribute new music created or performed by living, UK-based artists and music creators
What can you get?
- Grants of £1,000–£40,000, requiring cash match funding of at least 25% of the total project budget
- Grants of £40,001–£100,000, requiring cash match funding of at least 50% of the total project budget
- Support for activity lasting up to three years
- Eligible costs can include organisational and workforce development, programming, touring, showcasing, collaboration, equipment and software, small-scale capital work, and research and development
Deadline
1 October 2026 (11.59pm) for grants of £40,001–£100,000
Key notes
- The current round for grants of £1,000–£40,000 closes on 15 October 2026; further rounds are scheduled.
- The next round for grants of £40,001–£100,000 is scheduled to open on 23 November 2026 and close on 15 January 2027.
- Applications should demonstrate how the investment will increase reach, strengthen business models, improve sustainability, develop skills or expand organisational capacity.
- Applicants need an approved profile on Arts Council England’s grants management system and must apply through an authorised representative.
- National Portfolio Organisations and Investment Principles Support Organisations may apply only for activity outside their existing Arts Council England funding agreements.