Funding folk music

Subject: Funding folk music
From: GUEST,Nick
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 05:11 PM

I'm sorry if this is a commonly asked question, but i was wondering if anyone had any experience securing funding for folk music performance in the UK. I'm looking to apply for a (comparatively) modest one-off sponsorship sum, as opposed to a more expensive longer term project..
Does anyone have any suggestions of places to approach?
Thanks,
Nick

Subject: RE: Funding folk music
From: sian, west wales
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 06:56 PM

I suppose that depends on where you are, and how the recent cuts have been felt in the relevant region. In Wales, trad/folk promoters have made use of the Arts Council for Wales' small venue touring circuit funding. Occasionally there are also funding opportunities within community development programmes.

I don't know what the situation is in other British nations/regions.

sian

Subject: RE: Funding folk music
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 08:49 PM

Knowing where you are based would be the first step towards any advice.

Subject: RE: Funding folk music
From: GUEST,erbert
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 09:12 PM

sorry but my wife's credit cards are now completely maxed out for the next few years
music development sponsorship philanthropy..

.. and she's changed her pin numbers and passwords ???

I've got a sleeping bag, can I kip on your sofa until she calms down a bit...

Subject: RE: Funding folk music
From: LesB
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 03:46 AM

Nick, do you mean that you want financial help to put on an event or that you wish for financial help to further your career?

Subject: RE: Funding folk music
From: GUEST,Nick
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 04:58 AM

Sorry not to be clearer.
I'm based in North West England (near Lancaster) and looking for a small sum to help with career development. I know this is probably not the best of times to be looking for such assistance, given the current financial climate, so it may be a long shot! Still, nothing ventured and all that..
I already found the PRS fund and the Arts Council for the North West which seem to have funds available for this sort of purpose, but i was wondering if anyone had any other suggestions?
Thanks.

Subject: RE: Funding folk music
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 06:56 AM

Contact Eddie Upton at South West Folk who did a leaflet about it.

Subject: RE: Funding folk music
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 07:16 AM

Why don't you .let the dog see the rabbit?

There all kinds of people on this site who have done most things in the area of folk music. they would be better able to judge the best course of action for you, if they knew of what you speak.

Do you have a website? have you recorded? Studied with anyone? Been in any folk clubs? have a course of action in mind that you need help with?

You see Nick - its silly for anyone to give advice. We don't even know your name.I'm sure we would all like to help, but at some point, you have show your bum and maybe get it kicked. And probably get used to the experience.

An old drummer who had done everything in his time was in a band with me, and we had a vulnerable young sensitive lead guitarist.
Old drummer in broad Glaswegian said, Listen son! if y cannae handle rejection and bad manners, y' cannae handle this job!

Such is the life of a pro musician.

Tell you what though - I bet there'll be someone on Mudcat who will have empathy with what your ambitions and will try and help.