At Newcastle University, they're conducting new research on an at-home, game-based device designed to strengthen the brain-hand connection by harnessing neuroplasticity. Although their current focus is stroke and spinal cord injury recovery, they're exploring whether similar principles could benefit musicians. They'd love to speak with musicians about whether this approach might support injury recovery or enhance fine motor control. 

If you're interested in a 15-30 minute chat, please contact: 
Lillian.Clements@newcastle.ac.uk

Submissions are now open to perform at The Great Escape Festival, taking place from 13-16 May 2026 in Brighton. The Great Escape welcomes artists from every genre and every corner of the globe. It offers a unique chance to showcase your talent in front of thousands of music fans, alongside 450+ emerging acts performing across 30+ venues. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with the influential industry figures who come to TGE each year in search of the next big thing.

Deadline: Sunday 15 February 2026

Oxford Contemporary Music (OCM) and Music at Oxford are seeking to expand and diversify their networks of music facilitators, and draw from a wider pool of workshop leaders when developing and delivering their education and outreach programmes. They are looking for facilitators who may be available to deliver music/sound workshops and projects in Oxford and Oxfordshire.

Deadline: Sunday 1 February 2025

Returning in March 2026 after a two-year hiatus, Battle of the Bands showcases new voices in experimental, electronic and contemporary classical music. For one night only at a venue in London, five artists will perform a set to an enthusiastic audience and a panel of industry leaders and artists. Artists must be UK-based, 18+, and can commit to a performance in London in March 2026 (date tbc).

Deadline: Monday 15 December 2025

Yorkshire Sound Women Network have just launched their Rewired callout, offering 1 x £1,500 commission and 3 x £750 micro-commissions for women (cis and trans) and gender-diverse musicians and sound artists based in Yorkshire and the Humber. 

Deadline: Sunday 11 January 2026

Eavesdropping London is happy to announce that their next festival will run 19-22 March 2026, and that the topic for their weekend-long forum this year will be Cultivating Courage: Trouble-Makers & Risk-Takers. The forum is designed to be open, inclusive and creative in its approach to this topic: alongside their guest speakers we hold space for folk that we don’t yet know. This Call for Provocations is an invitation to get involved!

Deadline: Friday 2 January 2026

Arts Council England have ring-fenced £7.5 million to invest in projects that allow creative and cultural practitioners to develop their practice. This is only open to individual creative and cultural practitioners applying using an individual profile. Grants of between £1,000 - £30,000 are on offer.

Deadline: Thursday 26 February 2026

The Hinrichsen Foundation give grants for the performance, commissioning and recording of contemporary and experimental music in the UK. Grants generally range from £500 - £3,000 and applicants must be based in the United Kingdom. 

Deadline: Friday 19 December 2025

The charity seeks to promote the works of British composers by supporting the performance of compositions that have been undeservedly neglected. They have so far awarded total grants of over £40,000. The charity supports a range of costs, normally up to £1,000, to facilitate the performance of deserving works by a composer, either living or dead, born in or resident in the UK.

Deadline: Saturday 31 January 2026

Two grant schemes are on offer - the Finzi Trust General Fund and The Young Musicians' Fund. The General Fund offers a small number of modest grants (of up to £500) from the Trust’s unrestricted assets. Any applications which do not relate to music will not be considered. The Young Musicians’ Fund is solely for the benefit of individuals aged 25 and below who are in need of funds to further their participation in, study or practice of music.

Deadline: Sunday 1 February 2026

Marisam Events and Joe Reeve (The Creative Meet Up) are teaming up to bring the North East a night built for creatives, by creatives. Join them at PILGRIM for an evening of inspiration, connection, and good vibes - featuring a killer panel of working professionals. Expect real talk, real advice, and real opportunities from people actually making moves in the region. After the panel, stick around to network with fellow creatives, meet potential collaborators, and enjoy live music from local band.

When? Friday 6 February, 6:30pm - 10:30pm at PILGRIM, Newcastle upon Tyne

Informed by the Music Industry Advisory Group (MIAG) Generator offer free, one-to-one advice sessions on how to secure a role in the industry (From funding and music law to A&R, touring and management.) They also have advice sessions on how to accelerate your music career from a range of music industry professionals.

When? Wednesday 31 December 2025, 1pm at Generator HQ, Newcastle upon Tyne

Slambarz are putting on a live Q&A with Toddla T exploring music, creativity, community and career longevity at the Steamworks in Sheffield. 

When? Friday 12 December 2025, 7pm at The Steamworks, Sheffield

Bradford Producing Hub are putting on a series of business development workshops throughout January 2026, including 'Developing Your Governance' and 'Mind Your Own Business'. These workshops are great for any creatives who would like further guidance on defining, pitching, and growing your creative business. 

When? Wednesday 14 January 2026 and Wednesday 28 January 2026 at Kirkgate Centre, Shipley