Artist Development opportunities at The Glasshouse  |  View in browser

PØRTERS: a band of five people are performing on stage with blue lighting behind them.

Hey there,

With Spring in full swing, and brighter (and hopefully warmer) days settling in, we've got a host of exciting activity happening at The Glasshouse to match the mood.

Our April BBC Introducing from The Glasshouse showcase is just around the corner, featuring Chiedu Oraka, NE-O, Jenna Cole and Tariro. You won't want to miss this night of incredible original music, so make sure to get your tickets now before they go!  

If you have an interest in the audio-visual creative field, then check out Max Cooper's upcoming Live Masterclass and Q&A, taking place on Saturday 18 April in our Northern Rock Foundation Hall. See more information about this event in the 'Resources' section below.  

The next date for our 2026 BAPAM clinic will be Friday 24 April from 10am - 2pm. The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) is the UK's leading provider of career-specific healthcare for performers, and we're pleased to have partnered with them to run a monthly clinic here at The Glasshouse, see the full dates on our BAPAM page.

If you have a performance related health problem such as creative practice-related injuries and pain, muscular tension, hypermobility or performance anxiety, book a free appointment and chat to Dr. Fairfax - a BAPAM and NHS GP with a special interest in performers’ health.

Each month we share the latest opportunities, resources and events in this newsletter, so be sure to check out our handpicked list below. Keep an eye on the deadlines as some are fast approaching.

Stay creative and take care,

The Glasshouse Artist Development Team
(Lucy, Rianne, Maria, Adele)

Cover Photo: PØRTERS by Max Cooper

Opportunities

Apply to Play: Dot To Dot 2026

Dot To Dot 2026 is written in black against a pink background

Submissions are still open to perform at Dot To Dot Festival 2026. Taking place on Saturday 23 May (Bristol) and Sunday 24 May (Nottingham), this festival brings a whole host of incredible emerging talent from around the globe.

No Deadline Listed

Artist Submission with Futuresound

Calling all artists! You can now submit your details for consideration on Futuresound promoted shows across Yorkshire and the North East.

No Deadline Listed

Amex Unsigned Applications 2026

A young girl with a brown jacket is singing into a microphone on a stage. A young boy is stood behind her playing electric guitar. There is red lighting on the stage

Amex Unsigned is an initiative that backs emerging artists by providing mentorship and creating exciting, unique opportunities through access to ad syncs, showcases, gigs and festival stages. In previous seasons, Amex Unsigned artists have played major festivals like American Express presents BST Hyde Park, Lido and All Points East, and performed showcases at SXSW. Amex Unsigned aims to create breakthrough opportunities for emerging artists who are ready to take the step up to the next level. If that sounds like you and you make original music, you’re over 18, you’re not currently under contract with a major label and you’re a UK resident, you are eligible to enter.

Deadline: Friday 17 April 2026

Grunge Included 2026

The Grunge Included Conference 2026 invites music writers, scholars, students, researchers, musicians, critics and cultural commentators to submit abstracts for presentations exploring the multifaceted legacy of grunge music and culture. Organised by York St John University, this multidisciplinary conference aims to examine the evolution, context and continuing impact of the grunge movement. Contributions from a wide range of disciplines will be accepted, including musicology, music, ethnomusicology, sociology, fashion studies, history, political science, media studies, graphic design and cultural studies.

Deadline: Wednesday 1 July 2026

Sound and Music: In The Making

There are multiple pictures showing different people performing. Some are singing into a microphone, others are working on laptops

In the Making is the UK's only year-long artist development programme for young music creators aged 14-18. In the Making is for all young people and all types of music - beats, songs, sound art, classical, experimental, electronic and everything in-between. Each year, 50 young creators with a passion for music come together from all over the UK for an unforgettable summer residential, followed by a flexible 12-month programme of online creative development, mentoring, peer support, progressions pathways and careers support.

Deadline: Monday 20 April 2026

Apply to be a Roundhouse Resident Artist

A young woman is playing an electric guitar and singing into a microphone. She has long, dark hair and wearing a white shirt. There is a young man stood behind her also playing electric guitar

The Roundhouse Resident Artist Programme supports you as you develop your art and grow your professional skills as well as providing paid freelance performance opportunities at the Roundhouse and beyond. Over a year, you’ll access workshops, masterclasses, mentoring, and networking designed to help you establish yourself in your field. This is a space to experiment, collaborate, and accelerate your career with guidance from experienced industry professionals. This programme is designed to match support for your individual ambitions with real-world experience and industry knowledge.

Deadline: 10am on Monday 27 April 2026

ELEVATE: Artist Development Programme

A young man is wearing glasses and looking down. He is wearing a black collared shirt and there is blue hazed lighting behind him

ELEVATE is a development programme by Brighter Sound for Greater Manchester artists who are at a critical point in their progression, and are ready to take a meaningful step forward in their careers. Rather than discovering talent from scratch or supporting artists who are fully established, this programme is about bridging the gap between emerging and professional practice. They are looking for artists who are building momentum and need the right support to progress further. Through tailored support, they'll connect you with mentoring, new networks, recording and live performance opportunities.

Deadline: Tuesday 12 May 2026

Apply To Play: Left of the Dial 2026

A crowd is seen to the left of the picture and two guitarists are seen on the right, on a stage performing

Applications are open to perform at Left of the Dial 2026. This is an annual international festival held in Rotterdam, Netherlands, showcasing a diverse range of alternative music from various genres. It features over 150 bands performing across multiple venues, including churches, bars, and even moving buses!

Deadline: Friday 1 May 2026

Sonic Futures Venue Support Lead

A crowd of people are seen at a concert with their hands in the air looking forward at the band on stage

Generator is looking for an experienced music venue professional to lead on the delivery of their Sonic Futures Venue Support strand within Tees Valley. Experienced in live music, and the wider music industry, you should have strong links within the live music sector across Tees Valley, have an in depth understanding of the pressures and challenges that face music venues, and be able to offer practical advice and support to help make this vital sector more sustainable.

Deadline: 10am on Thursday 30 April 2026


Work at the Youth Music Awards 2026

Two hosts are seen with head microphones on, presenting on a stage. One lady is wearing a bright pink dress and the other man is wearing a black suit

Youth Music are putting a team together to help them run the Youth Music Awards 2026. They are now recruiting for two exciting Awards roles: Hosts and Backstage Presenters. The Youth Music Awards is the biggest night in grassroots music, and for the past six years they have celebrated in London. However, 86% of their funding goes outside of the capital, so that's why, in 2026, the Youth Music Awards is coming to the North-West.

Deadline: 11:59pm on Sunday 3 May 2026

Electronic Music Incubator with Ghetec & Sonic Futures

A young woman's blue top is visible. Her blonde hair is covering her shoulders and she is wearing black headphones round her neck

This programme is for musicians and DJs with a basic understanding of DJing or production, who want to take their career to the next level in the music industry. This artist-led accelerator is ran by Tees Valley Artist of The Year Boo, under her brand Ghetec, in partnership with Sonic Futures. It will run from Monday 4 May to Friday 23 October 2026. During this six month programme you'll have access to weekly rehearsal spaces, a monthly production or DJ workshop, and a monthly online workshop with music industry professionals.

Deadline: Wednesday 22 April 2026

Apply to Play: Quiet Steps Festival 2026

Quiet Steps is written in yellow against a green background

In association with Launchpad, Quiet Steps Fest are looking to support underrepresented grassroots artists from the Leeds / West Yorks area to perform at Quiet Steps Festival 2026, at Project House, Leeds UK. They're opening up 3 slots at the festival, which will be a two-stage, 1000 capacity, all day event on Saturday 18th July 2026. This is a paid opportunity for artists that stylistically fit the festival to perform at a large venue with full production, alongside international touring artists in the emo, math-rock and post-hardcore genres.

Deadline: 11pm on Tuesday 21 April 2026 

Funding

Culture Moves Europe

Different cultural buildings are overlayed in a textile fashion. They are all multicoloured

Culture Moves Europe is a mobility scheme that supports individual mobility and residency projects across Creative Europe countries, territories and regions. It gives grants for artists and cultural professionals to travel and carry out a project in another Creative Europe country. With a budget of €25 million, it supports around 7,000 artists, cultural professionals and host organisations from 2025 to 2028. 

Deadline: 11:59pm CEST on Thursday 30 April 2026

PPL Momentum Music Fund

A shoe is seen hitting pedals on a guitar pedal board

The PPL Momentum Music Fund offers grants of £5k-£15k for UK based artists/bands to break through to the next level of their careers. Activities eligible for support include recording, touring and marketing. Previous recipients include Little Simz, Sam Fender, Kae Tempest, Knucks, Hannah Peel, Big Joanie, Shygirl, Anna Meredith, K-Trap and many more.

Deadline: Monday 11 May 2026

Beldina Odenyo Onassis Bursary 2026

Hen Hoose is written in peach against a purple background

Beldina Odenyo Onassis, Hen Hoose is proud to offer this bursary to support an artist in developing an original song through a dedicated, hands-on creative process. The selected artist will receive a fully supported development opportunity, including a recording day at Chem 19 with a Hen Hoose producer, a full day of songwriting development, and two hours of bespoke one-to-one mentoring tailored to their artistic practice. This bursary is open to Scotland-based women (including cis and trans women) and non-binary people who have faced barriers in their creative journey.

Deadline: 10am on Tuesday 28 April 2026

Philip Bates Trust

Two hands are seen playing a piano

The Philip Bates Trust is dedicated to encouraging and supporting the creative ambitions of young people under the age of 25. They do this by awarding prizes for artistic excellence and providing financial support to individuals, groups, and organisations delivering creative opportunities for young people. Their aim is simple: to help remove barriers, spark inspiration, and provide the resources needed for artistic ideas to flourish. Whether it’s a music competition, a theatre workshop, a visual arts project, or another creative venture, we want to play a part in helping it succeed.

Deadline: Sunday 31 May 2026

Alan Surtees Trust: Applications Open

A hand is seen playing an electric guitar

Applicants for a grant from the Alan Surtees Trust should be aged between 16 and 30 at the time of applying. They must live in the UK and not already have significant financial backing. Examples of activities covered by funding include mentoring and tuition from experts in the genre, hiring of rehearsal and creative space, costs towards new instruments and equipment, recording and production of a debut album and more. 

Deadline: Thursday 30 April 2026

Supporting Grassroots Music

A young man is seen waving to the camera and performing into a microphone. There are spotlights behind him

Supporting Grassroots Music (SGM) is designed to help secure the sustainability of the grassroots music sector. This investment programme currently supports venues, festivals and promoters, recording studios and rehearsal spaces, as well as sector bodies operating in grassroots music. It also supports grassroots music sector bodies in their work to develop and support the sector. Eligible projects support the transition of artists, bands, and industry professionals to sustainable careers in music, as well as the development of new audiences and the grassroots music sector as a whole. 

Deadline: Midday on Thursday 23 April 2026

The Democracy Cycle

Four women are seen stood in a line on their phones. They are all wearing jeans and blazers

Over a five-year period, The Democracy Cycle will commission and develop 25 new performing arts works across the fields of theatre, dance, music, opera, and multi-disciplinary performance. The commissioned works will explore themes relating to the nature, practice, and experience of democracy. The Cycle will provide $60,000 in support to each awarded project, consisting of a $30,000 commission as well as an additional $30,000 towards each commissioned project's development process (research, readings, workshops etc.).

Deadline: Tuesday 28 April 2026


Resources

Morning Creatives

Two hands are seen grasping a red mug

On the first Wednesday of every month, Artsadmin invite freelance artists, creatives, and producers working in contemporary performance and live art to join them at Toynbee Studios for a relaxed morning of connection, conversation, and creative exchange. It’s an informal networking space to meet fellow practitioners, spark new ideas, and share what you’re working on. Bring your own brunch, settle in, and make the morning your own. 

When? Wednesday 6 May 2026, 11am - 1pm at Toynbee Studios, London

Help Musicians Business Workshop

Join Help Musicians as Paul Ablett discusses topics like a manager’s role in the relationship, boundaries, being professional and a self reflection technique, along with questions you might expect to ask a prospective manager. Paul, a former musician, has been actively involved in the Music Industry and Artist Management for over thirty years, working with signed Platinum and indie artists and producers. The aim of this session is to give you a holistic view of this unique working relationship within the Music Industry.

When? Tuesday 28 April 2026, Online

Hardwick & Morris Drop-in Sessions

Hardwick and Morris Drop-In Sessions is written in white against a black background

Join Olivia Fuller from Hardwick & Morris for a free 30-minute 1:1 drop-in session, offering tailored accounting advice. Whether you’re just starting out, or looking for guidance on tax, bookkeeping, or managing your finances as a creative professional, this is your chance to get expert insight here in the North East. This month's drop-in will specialise in advice for touring artists in preparation for the festival season, covering things such as expenses, grants, and merch.

When? Thursday 30 April 2026, 9am - 3pm at Generator HQ, Newcastle upon Tyne

Max Cooper Live Masterclass and Q&A

A young man seen with shadows across his face, different words appearing in the background

Max Cooper presents a masterclass that will delve into his artistic practice and  audio-visual album work, immersive installations and forthcoming album, Feeling Is Structure - an exploration of the relationship between physical form and human emotion, developed from a commission to create a new live show at London's Royal Albert Hall in April 2026.

When? Saturday 18 April 2026, 3pm at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Gateshead

Ivors Academy: Meet The Music Supervisors

Two people are seen working in a recording studio. Various wording is overlaying the image as it fades into the background

Music supervisors play a pivotal role in connecting songwriters and composers with opportunities across film, TV, advertising and games. This webinar delivered by Ivors Academy breaks down how music is discovered and pitched for media formats, offering practical insights into how the industry really works. 

When? 2pm - 3pm on Wednesday 22 April 2026, Online

The Lonnings: Concert and Singing Workshop

The Lonnings make gentle music for troubled times, original songs with interweaving harmonies and delicate arrangements. An oasis of calm and beauty and an antidote to the hustle and bustle of busy lives. Join us for a special afternoon's singing workshop with Bex and Dave, followed by an intimate concert with the trio.

When? 1:30pm - 6pm, Saturday 16 May at Blackhall Mill Community Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne

Klust x Youth Music Community Event

A young girl is smiling and talking into a microphone

Aged 18-30 and want to know more about music journalism in Wales? Youth Music's upcoming NextGen Community event in Cardiff offers young creatives industry insight to help further careers in music. They have partnered with award-winning Welsh music platform Klust to host an evening of panel discussions, live performances and networking. Hear from industry professionals on the importance of music press for artists, routes into music journalism and making use of local music scenes as a creative.

When? 7pm, Thursday 23 April 2026 at Paradise Garden, Cardiff

RYUICHI SAKAMOTO: CODA

A lady is stood facing away from the camera looking at trees and woodland

One of the most important artists of our era, Ryuichi Sakamoto’s career spans from techno-pop stardom to Oscar-winning composer and anti-nuclear activist. This intimate documentary explores Sakamoto’s return to music following a cancer diagnosis, leading to the creation of a haunting new masterpiece.


DMLab Festival 2026

A young woman is seen to the left of the image looking down. She is wearing pink sunglasses and has pink hair. A young man is to the right of the image looking down too. He has brown curly hair and wearing a black t shirt

Drake Music would love for you to attend their upcoming DMLab Festival. Join them for a full day exploring music, instruments, and technology by and for Disabled and Non-Disabled, d/Deaf and neurodivergent musicians and makers. The event will take place in three parts: a morning instrument building workshop, afternoon presentations exploring accessible music tech, and evening performances (DMLab Live). You can attend all three events for £5 with an all-day pass.

When? 10am - 11pm, Sunday 24 May 2026 at Rich Mix, London

Ladies Open Decks and Social

Two people are seen using DJ decks

L.A.D’S (Ladies & Decks’s) is an event where you can meet other likeminded people who love music and are already DJ-ing, or would like to learn by chatting, mixing, sharing notes and generally addressing the lack of women (or those identifying as women) on the decks in Newcastle and beyond. This is a really friendly & informal event, many people come alone for the whole or part of the session. Bring Vinyl or USB stick if you have it (both decks available) and if you don’t just bring yourselves!

When? 6pm, Tuesday 21 April 2026 at Cobalt Studios, Newcastle upon Tyne

You are receiving this email as you are on our Artist Development mailing list, if you no longer wish to subscribe to this please email artistdevelopment@theglasshouseicm.org. You can unsubscribe from The Glasshouse's marketing emails using the link below. 

Unsubscribe  |  Forward  |  View in browser

Make sure you don’t miss important updates - add marketing@theglasshouseicm.org to your address book or safe list so we don’t end up in your junk. (And here’s our privacy policy if you want more info on how we’re using and protecting your data.)

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music (North Music Trust) is registered in England as a company limited by guarantee, number 4044936 and as a charity, number 1087445.

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music (North Music Trust), St Mary's Square, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead, NE8 2JR