Music Growth Fund Opens to Support New UK Music
2 grant strands in support of the music sector's development, promotion and distribution of original music
Arts Council England is preparing to open applications for the Music Growth Fund, part of the UK Government’s wider Music Growth Package announced in July 2026. The fund is designed to boost the creation, performance and development of new UK music - original work by UK based artists and creators - and to support sustainable, inclusive growth across the sector.
The programme backs activity that strengthens the music ecosystem: developing emerging talent, improving grassroots infrastructure, expanding opportunities for artists and businesses, and helping UK music reach wider audiences at home and internationally.
Funding is available through two strands - £1,000 - £40,000 and £40,001 - £100,000 - with applicants choosing the strand that matches their request. Projects can run for up to three years.
Music Growth Fund: £1,000 to £40,000 strand
- Round One: 6 August 2026 to 3 September 2026
- Round Two: 4 September 2026 to 15 October 2026
- Round Three: 16 October 2026 to 26 November 2026
- Round Four: 27 November 2026 to 7 January 2027
Music Growth Fund: £40,001 to £100,000 strand
- Round One: 7 September 2026 to 1 October 2026
- Round Two: 23 November 2026 to 15 January 2027
The fund is open to UK based music organisations and businesses, including micro, small and medium enterprises, sole traders, charities, CICs, not for profits. National Portfolio Organisations and Investment Principles Support Organisations may apply only for work outside their existing agreements.
Eligible applicants include festivals, promoters, managers, labels, studios, rehearsal spaces, publishers, grassroots venues, sector bodies and approved support organisations - as long as they develop, promote or distribute new music for commercial use.
Support can cover organisational development, skills and capacity building, programming and operational costs linked to growth, equipment and software, touring, small scale capital improvements, and research and development that strengthens innovation, sustainability, audience reach or market growth.