Artist Development opportunities at The Glasshouse | View in browser
Hey there,
Summer's nearly here, and with longer days and brighter evenings on the horizon, there's plenty to look forward to at The Glasshouse.
Our May edition of BBC Introducing from The Glasshouse was electric, featuring Swindled as headliners, along with brilliant performances from Spacecadetbloom and The Last Time. This event built excitement ahead of BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend in Sunderland at the end of May, shining a spotlight on the incredible emerging artists and creative talent coming out of the North East.
If you haven't yet heard of North East rising Jazz band, Knats, then this is your chance to get behind their sound. We're on a mission to score the band a No.1 in the UK Jazz charts, so here's a special discount code to purchase their second studio album, 'A Great Day in Newcastle' either on vinyl or CD. Use the code 'KNATS15' for 15% off any orders through the Fontana store.
The next date for our 2026 BAPAM clinic will be Friday 15 May 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: Swindled by Max Cooper
Opportunities
Bedtime Stories: Open Call
Based at Vivid Projects, Digbeth and MAC Birmingham, participants will attend five sessions over June - July 2026. Sessions will cover the history of DIY and radical radio, the fundamentals of recording, mixing and mastering, and the opportunity to develop a 40 minute experimental radio mix using recorded sound, voiceover, and music. There are up to 6 placements available, supported by access bursaries of £100 per session. Applicants must be Black (African, Caribbean, or mixed Black heritage), 18+ and based in Birmingham/West Midlands.
Deadline: 11:59pm on Wednesday 20 May 2026
Diaphonique: Open Call
Diaphonique now accepts applications from individual artists and composers – a new development designed to make the programme even more accessible. It funds collaborative projects in contemporary classical music that involve at least two of the three countries: France, the UK and Ireland. They support projects built around a genuine collaboration, not just the programming of existing works.
Deadline: Sunday 17 May 2026
Magnetic 5: 2026
Magnetic is a joint Franco-UK initiative that brings together ten institutions to create a programme of artist residencies of 2 to 3 months each. Each residency is based on a tandem partnership between one French region and a UK nation. Artists from each one of the five regions in France are invited to apply for the residency based in the associated UK nation; and the artists from each UK nation are invited to apply for the residency based in the associated region in France.
Deadline: Tuesday 2 June 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.
Deadline: Wednesday 1 July 2026
Raw: First Take
First Take is a new programme at Raw Material, offering early stage musicians an exciting package of professional studio time, industry mentoring and production to help them invest in their creative work, develop their skills, and finish and release their music. Five successful applicants will be given a support worth £3,000 - including professional studio sessions with an engineer, 1:1 mentoring with industry experts, and a grant to help bring your creative work to life.
Deadline: 11:59pm on Tuesday 26 May 2026
We Are The Unheard Academy: Open Call
We Are The Unheard have just announced their open call for the Academy. This is a free development program, thanks to funding from the PRS Foundation Talent Development Network, supported by PPL. With fantastic partners and supporters, they are ready to offer you 24 weeks of online lessons, masterclasses from industry experts, and networking events to boost your music career.
No Deadline listed
British Electroacoustic Network Call for Works
Apply to the British Electroacoustic Network call for works to have your music represent the UK at the International Confederation of Electroacoustic Music, CIME General Assembly taking place in Zurich, Switzerland. All works will be judged by the BEAN committee. Along with the CIME selected works, a shortlist of pieces from BEAN members be selected for with opportunities for programming and performance throughout the year, and promotion across the BEAN platform.
Deadline: Thursday 28 May 2026
Marsm: Young Producer Residency
Do you have a vision for a music project but need the resources to make it happen? From live events and club nights to podcasts and educational workshops, Marsm supports Young Producers to bring their creative vision to life with a paid music industry residency. Marsm UK is a leading promoter of music and culture from the Arabic-speaking world. Supported by Youth Music’s Industry Connect Fund, they are entering their third year of mentoring talented young people. This 9-month paid residency is designed for 18-25 year olds looking to gain entry and insight into the music industry.
Deadline: 11:59pm on Sunday 17 May 2026
Artist residencies: Galoshans Festival
Open call for artists to create bold, socially engaged work celebrating Galoshans' creativity, culture, and local traditions. Through a sustained programme of socially engaged residencies, RIG Arts will build upon the strong foundation and momentum established through years of community-focused delivery across Inverclyde. Artists will develop new work in response to the theme of Galoshans. Rooted in traditions of storytelling, performance, and seasonal celebration, this residency offers a platform to explore creative practice within a contemporary community context while engaging with local audiences.
Deadline: Monday 25 May 2026
Funding
RPS Thea Musgrave Fund
RPS (Royal Philharmonic Society) have always supported composers to write music that inspires performers and audiences. In this, they have enjoyed a particularly happy association with the composer Thea Musgrave. Thea and Peter have generously agreed to replenish the fund, and they are now welcoming applications for a second year. There are two initiatives for which you can apply: RPS Thea Musgrave Composition Grants and RPS Thea Musgrave Performance Grants.
Deadline: 11am on Tuesday 7 July 2026
Philip Bates Trust
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 James Creative Bursary
The Alan James Creative Bursary:Residency and Research Programmes aim to support artists exploring new creative ideas inspired by and sourced from traditional folk music relating to England. This programme provides artists with an opportunity to undertake creative exploration without the pressure of a final product. EFDSS will be awarding two bursary:residencies and two research bursaries.
Deadline: Midnight on Sunday 31 May 2026
Grand Plan Fund
Grand Plan was created by a trio of artists in Spring 2021 to award £1,000 grants to artists of colour in the UK. Since launching in May 2021, they have awarded over 150 grants. Their grantees have written children's books, made short films, produced Indian classical dance, launched trans music nights, set up black community archives, and so much more.
Deadline: 11:59pm on Wednesday 17 June 2026
Francis Routh Trust
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 £50,000. 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: End of July 2026
Supporting Grassroots Music
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 28 May 2026
National Lottery Project Grants
National Lottery Project Grants is the Arts Council's open access programme for arts, libraries and museums projects. The fund supports thousands of individual practitioners, community and cultural organisations. Project Grants is always open for applications between £1,000 and £100,000.
Rolling Deadlines
FAC: The Step Up Fund 2026
The Step Up Fund, powered by Amazon Music, is the FAC’s annual grant programme for independent artists, supporting creative development at a crucial stage of their careers. Step Up provides financial support for ten artists’ projects each year, with grants of up to £8,000 alongside a wider package of industry support. In addition to the fund, Amazon Music has expanded its support in 2025 by awarding five additional independent UK artists three days of studio time at The Breakthrough Lab, the professional recording space created in partnership with Metropolis Studios, with engineering costs also covered.
Deadline: 11:59pm on Friday 29 May 2026
Resources
Monday Folk Singers
Learn folk songs and singing from the comfort of your home with English Folk Dance and Song Society's online course, led by Maz O'Connor. These weekly sessions are suitable for singers of all abilities. All material is taught by ear.
When? Monday 18 May 2026, 7pm - 8:30pm, Online
Play As We Are Workshop
In this Symposium, Maya Felixbrot, Ali Baybutt and Aina Font will share and facilitate an intensive workshop to immerse you – musicians, music scholars, musical movers – in our work, methods and approaches. This practical Symposium is for musicians of all kinds – professional performers, students, educators, instrumentalists, vocalists, composers, sound artists, of any genre and background.
When? Friday 15 May 2026, 10am - 5pm at IAS Common Ground, London
TMA's Ind(ie)ustry
Tees Music Alliance have put together a useful page for grassroots artists looking to ingrain themselves further into the music industry, and how to do that. The page contains advice and guidance for people wondering what jobs exist in the music industry, and how to set off on the road to working in it.
DMLab Festival 2026
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
Sacred Harp Singing Workshop
Learn the basics of Sacred Harp/Shape Note singing, a form of social harmony singing. Anyone is welcome to come along & join in, it’s easy and beautiful. No previous experience required.
When? 7pm, Tuesday 19 May 2026 at Cobalt Studios, Newcastle upon Tyne
Lab 2026: Online Information Session
Join Artsadmin for an introductory online session to learn more about their 2026 Lab Residency Programme. Artsadmin Lab is a curated residency programme hosted at Toynbee Studios that supports the early stages of artistic development. It offers, space, time, and resources to artists working in live or interdisciplinary practices to explore new ideas and approaches. In this online session, they will walk you through the aims and benefits of the programme, how to apply, and what to expect if selected.
When? 6:30pm - 7:30pm on Wednesday 20 May 2026, Online
Visual Music Workshop
This workshop, run by artist Tim Hopkins, invites you to explore ‘Live Cinema’ techniques using video materials developed on the day and software, Isadora. ‘Live Cinema’ takes cinematic ingredients but mixes them live to make screen events that combine the visuality of film with the excitement of live presentation. In the workshop participants will explore this process, manipulating objects and other materials in front of the camera, creating menus of clips / live video sequences, experimenting with vision mixing tools.
When? 10:30am - 2pm on Saturday 16 May 2026 at Depot Cinema, Lewes
Create Talent - Drop-in & Networking Event
As part of the Create Talent investment, a range of programmes, events, and workshops will be delivered by Generator and partners to support emerging talent across the region. Join Generator at the Live Theatre for an informal event to hear more about the opportunities, and ask how you can get involved.
When? 6pm - 8pm on Thursday 28 May at The Live Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne
Applying for Arts Funding - A Workbook
Funding with Mina has created a workbook designed for individual creatives or small organisations who are looking to apply for project-based arts funding. This workbook will teach you everything you need to know about writing a really strong arts funding application! It’s based on my expertise in arts funding education, consulting and assessing funding applications.
Newcastle Gateshead Music City Foundation Report
This new Foundation Report marks the first step in setting the long-term direction of Newcastle Gateshead Music City. Developed with Counterculture and Newcastle University, and supported by the North East Combined Authority, the report brings together a year of research and consultation with artists, venues, industry professionals, businesses and supporters from across the local music ecosystem.
The Soundroom Gateshead
The Soundroom is local studio in Gateshead offering space to record, live demo and be part of their creative community. It is one of the few remaining grass-roots community music projects left from the 1980's, and has played an essential part in the history of the North East’s thriving grass-roots community music scene, originally established in the 1980’s and the days of Gatehead’s Deckham Music Collective (DMC) and Route 26 Community Music Projects.
NAC: Tuesday Jazz Jam
Taking place every first and third Tuesday of the month, this is The Black Swan’s long standing Jazz Jam, where the house trio invite all jazz instrumentalists and singers to join them and jam together. For the upcoming event, musicians include: Michael Young (keys), Paul Grainger (bass), Mark Robertson (drums). All listeners welcome too.
When? 7pm on Tuesday 19 May at Newcastle Arts Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne
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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