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9 January 2024
Today, Continuo Foundation announces its seventh grant-making initiative, driving the total funding support provided to UK period-instrument ensembles to £750,000. 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.
Building on its legacy of support, Continuo 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 (formed since 2020) and will be evaluated for artistic quality, reaching new audiences, and building for the future. In a testament to Continuo Foundation’s commitment to fostering emerging talent, 40% of the funds allocated in the last round were dedicated to the recently formed ensemble category.
In the words of one loyal Continuo Foundation supporter:
“Continuo Foundation is doing tremendous work for young musicians. It has made a significant difference to emerging and established groups and has ignited some most interesting musical programmes."
In addition to supporting its grantees with funding, Continuo supports the early music ecosystem through its Continuo Connect digital platform, launched last year. Continuo grantees and other UK-based period-instrument ensembles and solo artists can publicise their events, profiles, and projects on the platform. As the sector’s leading digital hub, Continuo Connect’s principal aim is to grow the audience for early music by promoting artist discovery and enriching the audience experience.
Continuo Connect offers comprehensive, fully searchable concert listings of 140 ensembles and solo artists currently using the site to promote their work. The platform provides the public with easy access to early music performances and festivals across the UK. It also offers insights through articles and interviews by and about musicians, listening recommendations and video content, and guides to unique venues and other hidden gems.
Grant Round 7 details: Grants will range from £2000 to £8000, and the application submission deadline is 9 February 2024. Following a rigorous two-stage evaluation process by Continuo Foundation’s Advisory Panel and Trustees, final award decisions are expected by 21 March 2024.