Set up to allow for inclusive and varied support options, our Artist and Business Development program can be aligned to fit any project endeavouring to utilise entrepreneurial skills to create something exciting, collaborative and innovative.
There are a number of initiatives that allow students to access support including:
Subsidised Photo and Video Production
The creation of great promotional materials for artists has never been more important. We will help to produce excellent photos and videos for you by providing experienced professionals for just 50% of the cost, with the other 50% subsidised by Leeds Conservatoire.
Students across all years and pathways are welcome to apply for this support with two application windows throughout the year.
The Experience Fund
The Experience Fund is open to all HE and PG students, funding amounts up to £500 for things like short course fees, transport to conferences, seminars and extra-curricular mentoring.
Some of the things that the scheme can fund:
- Travel to an experience.
- Course fees for short courses, residentials etc.
- Attendance at a conference or seminar.
- Mentoring
You can still apply for this funding even if you have already signed up and paid for an experience provided it hasn't happened already e.g. a summer school.
Match Funding
Available to students enrolled on HE and PG courses, this scheme is aimed at providing match funding for projects and activities which are not covered in the curriculum.
You can apply for up to £500 which can be up to 50% of the cost of the project or activity.
Unlike a bursary, you will need to show your commitment to the project by working hard to secure the other 50% of the money you need to raise. To get your hands on the cash, you will need to demonstrate that you raised your share of the money: It is not enough to have the money in your account already – that wouldn’t be fair.
Some of the things that the scheme can fund:
- Starting a business including costs of equipment and resources.
- Running a night (one off or more regular).
- Marketing and promo materials.
- Costs of producing a release e.g. pressing CD or vinyl.
Artist and Business Development Program
This support means that no matter what your project is, if successful, each candidate will have a suitable plan developed and agreed to support their efforts in moving ideas and careers in the right direction.
There is one application window for this scheme (ahead of the Winter break) which allows us to fully understand and support any successful project throughout the rest of the year. As our Involvement is substantial, the application process is rigorous and contains multiple stages before appropriate candidates are selected.
Second and Third year BA students across all pathways can apply. Although unavailable to first year BA students, we do encourage you to contact us if you feel you have a great project to share, with a view to accepting a submission in later years of study.
Although there are few limitations to who and what the Artist and Business Development program will accept for submission, below are some suggestions of the kinds of things you could apply to receive:
- Asset Building - Assets could include (but aren’t limited to) merchandise, videos and photos, websites, and other physical products like vinyl or sheet music.
- Track Development - This could include professional mixing or mastering of your work, or assistance at an earlier stage with song writing or arrangement support and collaborations.
- Touring/Concert Booking - Assistance with booking and programming live events and concerts.
- Brand Development - Assistance with mission statements, and brand awareness as well as creation of brand assets like logos and fonts etc.
- Business support - This could include help and advice from appropriate professionals as well as mentoring and opportunities to network with likeminded individuals, companies and investors.
- PR and Marketing - Campaigns including local and national PR, online and radio.
- Legal advice and contracting - Band agreements through to copyrighting and any other potential legal document drafting or advice that your project may require.
