The GDMT 2020 Performance Award Funding is open to self-employed, professional Scottish traditional musicians who have limited savings and require some financial assistance – successful applicants will receive an award of £250.

The Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust (GDMT) was formed, as a tribute to Gordon, following his tragic death in 2005. The Trust aims to preserve and build on Gordon Duncan’s legacy by funding and supporting young traditional musicians.

In addition to the application form, applicants are asked to supply a 5-minute video of them performing exciting and cheery music, including one of Gordon Duncan’s tunes.  All applicants will be considered by the GDMT Musical sub-Group and if successful the Trust will also post the video performance on their YouTube channel and showcase the performance in the Gallery section of the website. GDMT asks that in return, the successful applicants also share GDMT links across their own networks.

To be eligible to apply you must be over 18 years of age and a self-employed, full-time professional musician who plays Scottish traditional music either in a solo capacity or in a group or band and you must be financially dependent on your musicianship

For more information please visit: https://www.gordonduncan.co.uk/2020-awards/

Funding opportunity – Jerwood Bursaries provide funding of up to £1,250 to expand and invigorate artistic practice, enabling artists to experiment with new ideas and undertake professional development activity. This might include exploring new materials or collaborations, specialist mentoring, or participation in professional training, conferences and workshops.

Applications are particularly welcome for:

• mentoring, coaching, critical feedback
• professional and/or specialised training
• taking part in conferences or workshops
• networking and/or membership of artistic networks
• learning specific skills and knowledge
• undertaking first-stage research

Artists can apply for funding between £250 – £1,250.

Applications must be received by: 5pm, Monday 9 March 2020

For more information please visit: https://jerwoodarts.org/opportunities/jerwood-bursaries/

The Help Musicians UK Transmission Fund provides grants of £500 – £1,500 to fund opportunities that focus on developing creative practice and furthering professional development. It’s open to emerging and professional musicians (instrumentalist, composer, producer, conductor, vocalist or singer-songwriter etc and bands or ensembles consisting of 6 members or less) of all genres and disciplines.

The fund can be used to support:

• Tailored development opportunities such as workshops, artist residencies, conferences, masterclasses, writing retreats and short courses
• Short periods of training and mentoring with a leading professional in your field to improve your creative practice or offer support and advice ahead of an important career opportunity (eg. a period of touring or recording)
• Travel, accommodation and access costs relating to the above
• Opportunities must be primarily focused on developing a career as a musician

The deadline for applications is 10th January 2020.

For more information please visit:

https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk/creative-programme/current-opportunities/transmission-fund

The Tasgadh fund provides small grants for traditional arts. The fund is managed by Fèisean nan Gàidheal and aims to provide support for traditional artists and organisations, enabling them to create, perform, tour and showcase work. The fund can also be used to support professional development and learning projects.

There are three application dates for 2019-20:

26 July 2019

25 October 2019

31 January 2020

For more information and specific guidelines, please visit: https://www.feisean.org/en/tasgadh/