With our COVID-19 Commissioning Fund, hcmf// is looking to establish immediate paid opportunities for UK-based music creators, responding to the financial and professional complications artists face in the wake of the current pandemic.

Through the contributions of our audience and supporters, we will be offering five artists a commission worth £1,000, with the resulting pieces appearing at a future edition of hcmf//. Through these commissions, we hope to help address the financial strain COVID-19 has had on music creators, while also providing a platform for their work when live music returns. 

This open call is accessible to any music creator based in the UK. We are interested in all formats – whether you write notated music, work as a composer-performer, create sound art, or fit into a different category entirely. If you’re making music, you’re eligible. 

Selected through an open call, our five artists will be chosen by a panel including hcmf// Artistic Director Graham McKenzie, along with composers Laura Bowler and Scott McLaughlin – two artists who have previously appeared at hcmf// as part of our Talent Development programmes.

 

How can I apply?

If you would like to apply, please send a one-page pitch to Tamsyn Webley at t.webley@hud.ac.uk 

Your pitch should describe your idea for a commission, as well as including any other relevant information about you and your work. To support your pitch, please include a maximum of two links (no attachments) to your existing work.

When writing your pitch, please also consider the following questions:

  • What is your background as a music creator?
  • What stage in your career are you at?
  • How would you describe your work, and your area of specialism?

Please also make sure your pitch adheres to the following brief:

  • All pieces must be 12-15 minutes long
  • If your piece uses live performers, it must be limited to 3 performers maximum. You can specify the performers you would like to write for (with their agreement), but this is not a requirement.
  • Your piece must be a new work, and be created specifically for this open call
  • The open call is open to UK-based music creators only 

The deadline for applications is 30 June 2020. All pitches must be in Word/PDF format.

 

How can I donate?

If you are interested in donating to the COVID-19 Commissioning Campaign, please click here.