PRS Foundation (PRSF) has launched a new initiative increasing investment in women and gender-diverse music creators across the UK.
Tempo Shift is open to UK-based women and gender-diverse music creators including songwriters, composers, producers, artists and bands involved in creating their own music. It offers direct grants of up to £5,000, alongside mentoring, professional development and networking opportunities.
Reports published in recent years by organisations including the Musicians’ Union and UK Music have highlighted persistent gender inequalities across the music sector.
Funding can support music creators at different stages of their careers, including those returning to music after a career break. Eligible costs also include up to £500 in additional support for childcare and caring responsibilities.
Producers and other behind-the-scenes creators can also request up to 50% of eligible funding towards equipment. Additional financial support is also available for disabled creators, those with long-term health conditions and others facing access barriers.
Together, these changes are about making the support fit creators’ lives
Elizabeth Sills, PRS Foundation
Partners on Tempo Shift include TikTok, Ladies Music Pub, Saffron Music, Trans+ Future Sounds (T+FS) and the PRS Members' Fund.
“We’re delighted to announce Tempo Shift for women and gender-diverse music creators," said PRSF grants and programmes manager Elizabeth Sills. "This new approach is the culmination of the independent report recommendations, roundtables with the sector and learnings from the many targeted gender initiatives and partnerships the Foundation has had over the last 15 years.
"The partnerships on Tempo Shift from TikTok, Ladies Music Pub, Saffron Music, Trans+ Future Sounds and the PRS Members' Fund are crucial to enabling Tempo Shift creators to benefit from a community as well as a grant, share experiences, exchange practical advice and find new collaborators.
"Bringing grantees together gives that network the potential to grow beyond each funding round, building connections that can last beyond a single project. Together, these changes are about making the support fit creators’ lives, so they can focus on their music and take their next steps with a network around them.”
The initiative draws on PRS Foundation’s 15 years of experience supporting greater diversity in music, including its Women Make Music fund, launched in 2011, and the award-winning Keychange scheme.
“While there have been many great steps towards gender equity in music – and PRS Foundation is proud to have played a key role in shaping a more representative sector – complex barriers still prevent talented creators from developing their work and building sustainable careers," said PRSF CEO Joe Frankland.
“We know targeted support works and that access to networks, professional development and peer support maximises impact. Tempo Shift brings these elements together and implements best practice from other PRS Foundation initiatives.”
There is an incredible breadth of talent among women and gender-diverse songwriters and music creators
Ella Kirby, TikTok
Tempo Shift aims to support 12-20 music creators each year, with two funding rounds annually. Each successful applicant will receive three individual mentoring sessions and join a peer network offering workshops, meet-ups and opportunities to connect with industry professionals and partner organisations.
The scheme also aims to create opportunities beyond the individual grant recipients, prioritising applicants who work with women and gender-diverse musicians, producers, engineers, managers and other collaborators.
“There is an incredible breadth of talent among women and gender-diverse songwriters and music creators, but we know that talent alone doesn’t always translate into equal access to opportunity," said Ella Kirby, head of music publishing, EMEA at TikTok. "We’re proud to support PRS Foundation’s Tempo Shift and its commitment to giving creators the practical support, connections and space they need to develop their craft and build sustainable careers.
"At TikTok, we see every day how powerful it can be when great music finds an audience, and we want to help ensure that creators from all backgrounds have the opportunity to make their voices heard, grow their careers and shape the future of music.”
Applications close on December 14. Applicants must have a track record of creating music for more than 18 months, with at least two places in each funding round reserved for early-career creators.
