Manchester International Festival has today announced the launch of two initiatives to support Greater Manchester creatives, building on its activity in support of the local artist community during lockdown.

Manchester is known around the world as a great music city, from musicians, DJs, and producers to record labels, gig promoters and venues. Like the rest of the cultural sector, the music scene has been badly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

New initiative MIF Sounds will see MIF pledge £10,000 to support ten Greater Manchester music industry creatives and practitioners to develop new projects. This could involve recording music, presenting a socially distanced gig, releasing a record or starting a new label imprint.

Jane Beese, Head of Music at MIF says “MIF want to support the next generation of Manchester’s music industry who have been affected by the pandemic, to continue to create work. Maybe you need help to make or complete a recording project or you are a label promoting new releases or you are working in production and have a new piece of technology you want to advance. Perhaps you are a promoter looking for support to present a socially distanced gig with a small audience with a live stream, or you just need some headspace and some time to make new music. We want to hear from you.”

People from all areas of the music industry in Greater Manchester are encouraged to apply with their ideas and proposals by midday on Friday 2 October at mif.co.uk/mif-sounds.

Since 2016 MIF has worked with local people to create micro-festivals in their own homes, bringing their neighbours and communities closer. During lockdown this programme moved online to become Festival in My House… And Yours, with local artists and creatives supported to host digital events from voguing parties, to poetry performances and disco cookouts. This latest version of the scheme will offer six artists £1,800 each to develop projects for a new online series of Festival in My House… And Yours, to use art and creativity to shape fresh ways of finding intimacy in our post-COVID-19 world.

Applications are open to artists working in any genre and any style though they must be residents of Greater Manchester. Successful applicants will be chosen by a community panel and will also receive mentoring and training opportunities. Applications for Festival in My House… And Yours should also be submitted by midday on Thursday 8 October at mif.co.uk/festival-in-my-house-and-yours.

Punam Ramchurn, Talent Development Manager at MIF says “We’re really excited to offer these opportunities for creatives to develop and create work in these current times. From financial support, mentorship and learning new skills, we’re investing in artists across Greater Manchester, and passionate about building long lasting relationships as we head towards MIF21 and The Factory.”

As MIF develops its plans for The Factory, there will continue to be opportunities for Greater Manchester based artists and residents to get creative. Recent activities include financial and producing support for online project development (Remote Residencies), and online exhibitions and workshops. Through MIF’s Artist Drop-in sessions, artists and freelancers have been able to connect with others from overseas and closer to home, as well as getting information and advice. MIF has also continued to actively support and be part of GM Artist Hub, offering advice and resources to the independent practitioners, artists, and companies of Greater Manchester.

Applicants can submit their proposals for MIF Sounds and Festival in My House… And Yours by going to mif.co.uk

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