Emergent Bursaries
Funds for early-career Disabled musicians
We are excited to announce new ‘Emergent Bursaries’ for musicians at the start of their creative track. The bursaries will give 3 early-career artists some funds to spend on their music. They are open to Disabled musicians who are Black, Asian or from an ethnic minority group. Each musician can choose how to use the money to meet their own unique needs. Apply by 21st February 2022.
Apply now for:
- Emergent Bursaries (x2) – for emerging musicians of all types and genres
- Charlie Williams Bursary (x1) – for an early-career DJ – any genre
What the bursaries offer
- £750 to spend on developing your musical practice
- Access to creative development opportunities & masterclasses through DM
- Promotion of your work through DM’s networks
The funds can be spent on anything that helps you to grow as an artist. This could be something that reduces your barriers to music-making, or an investment in your creative practice.
Some possible examples:
- new software, technology or studio time
- work with a creative collaborator
- accessible music stands for your kit
- captioning software for online meetings
- mentoring sessions
- attending a conference, training or networking
Outcomes
We do not expect a specific musical output from this bursary. You don’t need to produce a piece of music or a performance, unless this is something you want to achieve. Instead, we would like to find out what the bursary has supported. This could be done in writing, drawing, photography, audio recording or video to be shared through our website and social media. You can choose a format that feels manageable, accessible and appropriate to you. There will also be an opportunity to participate in our annual DM Collective event, if you would like to.
Who Can Apply?
The application process is open to:
- Emerging musicians/DJs
‘Emerging’ relates to experience, not age. We define an emerging musician as someone who is yet to receive significant funding/press coverage/performance opportunities etc. We use ‘Musician’ as a global term to cover artists who create original music or sound. This includes all ways of making music and all genres. - Disabled people
We use Disabled as a pan-impairment term, to include Deaf, Neurodivergent, Visually Impaired and/or Disabled people, as well as those living with a long-term health condition or who meet the criteria outlined in the Equality Act 2010. - Asian, Black and Ethnic Minority people
You must meet all 3 criteria to apply for the Emergent Bursaries. This scheme is open to UK-based artists.
We know that applying for opportunities takes time. We want to be clear that every application will receive careful consideration from a panel of Disabled musicians and DM staff. We will also offer individual feedback to applicants, if they would like to receive it.
Support and Access
Drake Music will provide support from an Artist Liaison/ Administrator and from the wider DM team. We will discuss tailored access support with the successful applicants.
If you have any access questions before applying, or require any reasonable adjustments to the application process, get in touch with kitbailey@drakemusic.org. Please be aware that Kit works part time.
Timeline
- February – Applications are received and assessed
- March – Bursaries are awarded and the winners meet the DM team
- April, May & June – Monthly Masterclass opportunities for the winners
- July – Winner’s reflections are shared and the DM Collective event takes place
How to apply
We want the application process to be accessible. We have made it as short as possible. The Selection Panel will be looking for applications which demonstrate how the bursary will support your creative growth.
To apply, please tell us:
- A bit about yourself and your music:
• Who are you and what are you into?
• Where do your passions lie musically?
• What musical opportunities have you had so far? - Why you are applying for this bursary.
- What you will spend the bursary on.
Please also send:
- 1 example of your work. This can be a finished track, a demo, a composition or a video of you performing.
- Links to your artist social media accounts (if you have them)
We welcome applications in the following formats:
- In writing (up to 500 words per section)
- Video clip (up to 3 minutes per section)
- Audio clip (up to 3 minutes per section)
Contact & Deadline
Deadline: 21st February 2022, 11.59pm
Please send your applications via email to: Jennynash@drakemusic.org.
Emergent is a part of Drake Music’s artist development programme, DM Collective, which offers accessible opportunities for Disabled musicians at all stages of their careers.
We are very grateful to the following organisations and individuals whose support for DM Collective is so important: The David Family Foundation, The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, The Fenton Arts Trust, The Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation, Idlewild Trust, The Leche Trust and the family and friends of Charlie Williams. Drake Music is a PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner supported by PPL.
