Sunderland musicians urged to apply for £4,000 commissions
Money. As recent studies and news articles show, can be one of the biggest barriers to practicing and succeeding at music, which is why Sound and Music (a national organisation dedicated to promoting new music) is working Sunderland Culture to offer composers, music-creators and collectives the opportunity to apply for commissions worth up to £4,000.
Helen Green, Head of Performance at Sunderland Culture, explained: “This is a fantastic opportunity for composers or music creators to really develop and showcase their talent.
“Composer-Curator supports outstanding projects curated and produced by people from any background. So we want to hear from you whether you’ve spent years being trained in music, or if you’re self-taught; whether you’ve had many years of experience or consider yourself ‘emerging.’
“The type of project you might produce could take any form – from outdoor performances to DIY gigs, orchestral concerts to club nights, gallery installations to live streams. Projects can be presented in any genre including jazz, electronic, grime, folk, non-western music, contemporary classical, in fact just about any form of experimental new sound and music.
“We’d particularly love to hear about projects that place audiences and communities at the heart of the work and that engage them in new and exciting ways.
“You don’t necessarily need to live or be based on Wearside to apply, although that would be brilliant. We are looking to support people who have some connection to Sunderland or the surrounding area; people who understand the city and our audiences.”
On top of the money, those who successfully apply for one of the three Sunderland commissions will receive a contribution to project costs, skill development sessions with leading professionals, practical support and guidance, along with opportunities to have their work featured on Sound and Music and Sunderland Culture’s social media channels, e-communications and platforms including the British Music Collection and The Sampler.
Applications are now open and will close on Sunday, April 4 at 11:59pm. For more information, click here.