It has been revealed that this year’s SXSW festival in Austin, Texas resulted in a huge impact for British artists supported through PRS Foundation’s International Showcase Fund. The news comes on the back of a third of the New York Times' 'Notable Acts' at SXSW being ones supported by PRS Foundation, including electronic pop artist Anna Meredith, jazz trio GoGo Penguin and indie pop band Let’s Eat Grandma. 

The emerging positive portrait of Brit success at SXSW is coupled with the recent impact report conducted by the International Showcase Fund which revealed that 89% of their acts returned with tangible business outcomes as a result of showcasing overseas between 2011-16. Notably, 2017's SXSW line-up saw 37 artists supported to perform at SXSW through PRS Foundation’s International Showcase Fund - the highest number ever. 

Speaking about the Brit success abroard, Vanessa Reed CEO of PRS Foundation said, “It’s fantastic to see our talented British artists making a real splash in the US at SXSW, taking advantage of the opportunity to showcase in this important territory for business development. We’re proud to have been able to support so many artists this year through our International Showcase Fund which is backed by Department of International Trade, Arts Council England, PPL, British Underground, Musicians Union, Creative Scotland, Arts Council of Wales and Pledge Music. This year’s acts have demonstrated that even in the world’s largest and most popular showcase event, distinctive UK music cuts through, confirming the talent and originality of our songwriters and composers. I look forward to following the next chapter of their international development.”

For more stories like this, and to keep up to date with all our market leading news, features and analysis, sign up to receive our daily Morning Briefing newsletter