Applications now open for music grants from $500,000 new artist fund
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
Pledged by fan engagement platform AmplifyWorld, artists from all backgrounds and genres can apply for grants to further their musical careers - the deadline for applications has now been extended to 1 October
AmplifyWorld, the fan engagement platform co-founded by Bristol-based Kasabian drummer Ian Matthews – also a member of hard-bop group the Jazz Defenders – and tech entrepreneur Irfon Watkins, is inviting musicians to apply for cash grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 through their newly launched Artist Fund.
Commenting on the motivation behind the fund Matthews said: “With governments in the UK and the US falling short in supporting musicians, independent players like us have to come up with solutions like this. We wanted to make sure grants were significant enough to really make an impact. That’s why artists can apply for up to $50,000.”
"The Artist Fund isn’t limited by location, genre, or experience. Essentially, we want to mirror the diversity of artists using our platform – a mix of commercial and alternative projects across jazz, rock, pop, rap, electronic, and everything in between. We’re looking forward to seeing applications from artists already using the platform as well as those new to AmplifyWorld, from all over the world," said Matthews.
AmplifyWorld is a decentralised fan engagement platform using cutting-edge Web3 technology to empower artists in community-building, music distribution, marketing, and promotion. The fund has been financed by reallocating AmplifyWorld’s 2024 marketing budget. Instead of investing in Meta and Google ads, they've decided to put half a million dollars directly into the hands of musicians. Grant recipients will also receive free access to AmplifyWorld’s advanced tools, which allow artists to distribute tracks, engage with fans via mailing lists, create smart links, build personalised web pages and domains, sell merchandise, encourage subscriptions and tips, and view transparent analytics – all in one place.
Following a successful trial at the Isle of Wight Festival, applications to the AmplifyWorld Artist Fund opened on Wednesday, July 10. Musicians from all genres, at any stage, can now apply for grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 to advance their careers. To submit an application, artists must have a Discord account and a Spotify Artist profile.
The deadline for applications for the AmplifyWorld Artist Fund has now been extended to 1 October visit amplify.link/artist-fund