PRS Foundation

PRS Foundation Awards for New Works 2009

New Works

Deadline for application:

Thursday 9 April 2009

Friday 9 October 2009

Awards for New Works offers support to those wishing to commission a new piece of music from UK based music creators (composers/songwriters/producers).

The PRS Foundation defines 'commission' as when an individual or group of individuals is/are engaged by a third party to create a new piece of music.

With this scheme PRSF aims to support a wide range of new works in a variety of genres - everything from an R&B song cycle to an orchestral composition to a jazz quintet piece.

Support is offered towards the creation and performance of new works which:

are written by music creators living and working in the UK
have a definite date for their first performance which must be in the UK
are being commissioned as part of projects that are financially viable and well managed

The PRS Foundation will prioritise applications for commissioning projects which:

are adventurous and innovative, both through the proposed new music and its presentation
are for music that will be written and performed to the highest standard
seek to develop new audiences for new music while keeping existing ones stimulated
will increase the public's awareness and understanding of new music
have further performances planned and have the potential to make a lasting impact, i.e. that they have a life beyond their first performance. This scheme is NOT for the commissioning of small-scale, one off or localised projects.

PLEASE NOTE: This is our most popular scheme. The average award made under this scheme is usually approx £3k - £4k. If your total shortfall is significantly greater than this amount, we would expect you to be pursuing other sources of funding.

Who can apply?

Any constituted not-for-profit organisation that will oversee the commissioning process and arrangements for the first performance of the new work can apply.

We are not able to support organisations commissioning a music creator who is part of the same organisation. For example, performance groups may not commission one of their musicians/conductor/artistic director.

You may only apply for one new work under this scheme in any one calendar year.

You may not apply for support towards the same commission more than once, regardless of the outcome of your application.

We are not able to support individuals wishing to commission.

Before submitting an application, remember to read our guidelines for applying, available here.

The 2009 application form will be available at the beginning of 2009
Click here to download the 2008 application form