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New round of government funding for UK music export announced
By Chris Cooke | Published on Tuesday 9 August 2022
Applications are being taken for the next round of the Music Export Growth Scheme, with two departments of the UK government – the Department For International Trade and the Department For Digital, Culture, Media & Sport – together committing £500,000 to support independent artists and labels who are looking to pursue opportunities in new markets.
MEGS has provided such funding for many years now, with the scheme administered by UK record industry trade group the BPI. Though, the BPI itself recently stressed, such government support for music export is now more important than ever before.
Because, while UK recorded music exports are growing as the worldwide recorded music market grows, at the same time British artists and labels are facing increased competition from music-makers in other countries when it comes to building global audiences.
Launching the latest round of MEGS funding, BPI boss Geoff Taylor says: “The global recorded music market is poised for sustained and rapid growth, but this growth is combined with intensifying global competition. MEGS continues to be a crucial resource for independent artists and labels to help them breakthrough in overseas markets”.
“We are pleased that the government is committed to continuing to work in partnership with the music industry to maximise the UK’s music exports potential”, he continues. “MEGS not only delivers for the UK economy but has had supported some our best loved independent artists to achieve global success”.
Meanwhile, Andrew Griffith MP, currently Minister For Exports at the Department For International Trade, adds: “The UK has a global reputation for creating, writing and producing amazing music. In 2020, the UK exported £2.3 billion of music around the world, creating jobs and growing our economy. Through the Music Export Growth Scheme, we’re proud to help UK-owned independent labels and artists grow British music abroad”.
The deadline for applications to this current round of MEGS funding is 2 Sep. Find out more here.
