24 July 2023
Funding for Period Music Ensembles
Period-instrument ensembles can apply for funding to carry out a range of creative projects that will bring live music to communities across the UK, particularly in communities that lack access to high-quality live music.
Continuo Foundation is offering grants of between £2,000 and £8,000 for professional ensembles playing period music and instruments to mobilise projects of outstanding artistic merit and create meaningful work for freelance period musicians, whilst engaging a wide range of audiences with historically informed live performances.
Round Six will continue to focus on providing the funds and confidence needed for ensembles to plan and carry out a range of creative projects that will bring inspiring live music to communities across the UK, particularly in areas which lack access to high-calibre live music. The fund will also help more recently formed ensembles to establish themselves, including graduates from 2020-2023 to help them gain visibility and performance experience.
Grants can be used by a period-instrument ensemble to:
- Provide the funding to enable a concert at risk of being cancelled or downsized.
- Fund a new project where there is uncertainty about audience size.
- Fund a chamber recital series.
- Tour an existing programme to new UK locations.
- Create a filmed concert which can be used to generate further touring opportunities.
Grants are available for UK-based professional groups of at least three musicians playing period instruments, or faithful replicas, with a consistent membership of instrumentalists, year-round activity, and an identity as a period-instrument ensemble.
Funding is for projects taking place between September 2023 and March 2024.
The deadline for applications is 10 August 2023.