Please note - applications for our 2023 Sound Generator programme have now closed.
Now in its third year, Sound Generator is Sound UK's research and development (R & D) programme that supports artists and seeds the development of an ambitious new project.
Each year six early career music and sound artists spend six months developing and testing their project, supported by mentoring from a range of experts.
By the end of the programme artists will have thoroughly explored their initial idea and tested that they can make it work, ready for the next stage of full commissioning and public engagement.
During the process artists will be able to try out new approaches, learn from others, increase their network and develop their practice.
Projects can be:
• For indoors or outdoors
• Suitable for venue touring or site specific
• Digital, installation or live
• Music, sound or multi-disciplinary
• Designed to reach a new audience, work with a specific community or respond to the world we live in.
Following an open call, six artists will each receive an award of £2200 to research and develop their idea across six months (June to November 2023).
In addition to £2200, the programme includes access to the Sound Generator Network with support sessions from a range of exceptional mentors, plus opportunities to connect with other artists on the programme.
The R & D will culminate in the creation of a short audio or video sample of the project, and a proposal for its delivery. These will be presented by each artist at a sharing event at the end of the programme and sent out to a wide network of industry contacts.
• UK* creators that reflect the full cultural diversity and gender spectrum of the UK
• Creators with 5 – 10 years professional experience
• Creators who want to develop a new idea that extends their practice, with public interaction in mind.
• Artists pushing the boundaries of contemporary music. Working within, but not exclusively, jazz, sound, folk, classical and electronic music, plus all points in between.
*we define a UK artist as someone who has been based and working in the UK for more than 5 years.
Find out more about our 2022 Sound Generator artists and our 2021 Sound Generator artists.
“We learnt so much and mentoring + support was very helpful in furthering our ideas. I think it also puts us in a better position to get further funding and for potential future collaborations.”
Daphnellc & Ambra, Sound Generator 2022
Read and download the guidelines and information:
This document includes a link to our online application form.
Have a good look at our website to find out more about Sound UK’s work.
Deadline for applications: 28 April 2023 at 5pm
We are committed to making Sound Generator accessible to all and supporting applicants facing barriers to apply. If you have any access requirements, require the application form in an alternative format, or need support putting in an application, please contact us at info@sounduk.net and tell us what you need to apply.
Sound Generator is supported by Arts Council England and PRS Foundation.
Sound UK brings music creators and the public together to experience extraordinary music nationwide.
We have a strong track record in delivering high quality, distinctive projects in any setting - from villages to major cities, beaches to online. From National Trust to Barbican Centre, we have collaborated with over 100 leading organisations. We’ve given c150,000 people from Cornwall to Hull the opportunity to experience exceptional new music. Since 2001 we’ve supported over 200 of the world’s most original music creators of all genres through 80 acclaimed national projects.
Our projects bring excellent music to diverse audiences and explore wider issues, such as the environment and mental health.
Find out more about Sound UK on our About Us page.
Image credit:
1) The Planets 2018, Ligeti Quartet at We The Curious
