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9 July 2024
Continuo Foundation is now accepting applications for funding early music concerts, tours and other artistic projects taking place between November 2024 and April 2025, anywhere in the UK. As in previous rounds, the funding available in this eighth grant round amounts to £100,000.
Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded £750,000 to nearly 100 period-instrument ensembles, supporting 170 creative projects. These initiatives have benefited over 1,000 freelance musicians and reached more than 180,000 audience members in 180 UK locations and online.
Project proposals from both established and emerging ensembles (formed since 2020) are welcome and will be evaluated by the Foundation’s Advisory Panel and Trustees based on artistic quality, audience reach, and long-term impact. At least 20% of the funds will be directed to support recently formed groups, underlining the Foundation’s commitment to fostering emerging talent.
Tina Vadaneaux, Founder and CEO of Continuo Foundation, comments: :
“Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the astounding talent and creativity in the early music world. The smaller ensembles who are best suited to bring music of the highest quality to grassroots venues across the country often find fundraising daunting. By removing this barrier, creativity can flow, and music becomes accessible for all."
While its grants are focused on period instrument ensembles, Continuo Foundation has expanded its support to all UK-based professional early music artists, including vocal ensembles, through its Continuo Connect digital platform.
The Foundation invests in marketing and developing this digital platform to champion the sector and to enable musicians to publicise their events to a wider audience. By promoting discovery and enriching the audience experience with insightful articles, curated playlists, and video content, the platform aims to grow audiences for everyone in the sector.
Continuo Connect offers comprehensive concert listings for over 150 artists and 50 festivals, with a user-friendly interface for accessing high quality live music across the UK. As such, the hub brings together the community of musicians, ensembles, concert promoters and the public.
Photo credit @ Nick Rutter, from a performance by Figure ensemble.
Grant Round 8 details: Grants will range from £2000 to £8000. Applications must be submitted by 9 August 2024. Awards will be announced by 26 September 2024.