ArtHouse Jersey and Guernsey Arts have announced the Channel Islands Artist Touring Support Fund, a joint initiative funded by the Government of Jersey and Guernsey Arts.
The fund has been set up to better enable music artists from the Channel Islands to engage in professional development through touring opportunities, promoting a wider cultural exchange between both Islands. Musicians from both Jersey and Guernsey are invited to apply to cover their travel costs relating to
touring their music in either Island, when these costs are not already covered by the host venue or promoter.
Musicians might include sound artists, classical musicians, bands, singer-songwriters, DJs for whom this fund could provide an opportunity to build inter-Island links with other music professionals or local audiences in Guernsey or Jersey.
The fund has been set-up as a pilot fund from April to December 2023.
Applications can be received at any time on a rolling deadline until the fund expires and will be considered towards the end of each month. Based on the success of the programme, ArtHouse Jersey and Guernsey Arts will assess the potential for extending the fund, potentially to include other regions.
Who can apply?
Professional artists building or maintaining a career as a musician and resident in Jersey or Guernsey can apply. By ‘professional’ this does not mean that music is a person’s sole source of income, but rather that they work professionally and are serious-minded about presenting and developing their work as a musician to a high professional level. Applications from both individual musicians and groups are welcome. Musicians are asked to apply for the fund no less than two months before
their proposed travel to enable sufficient time for a successful grant to be processed and travel booked before you needing to travel. Applications received that do not meet this timeframe may still be considered.
Head of Programme for ArtHouse Jersey, James Tyson, said: “It’s no secret that the expense of travelling between Jersey and Guernsey can stifle inter-Island musical activity. It’s our hope that by making financial support available to musicians to tour locally, the prospect of inter-Island gigs and performances will become more viable, and in turn benefit musicians directly as well as serve both Islands’ music scenes.
“Initiatives such as these are integral to enabling the development and sharing of music, opening up doors to new audiences for musicians and creating opportunities to develop new creative relationships and connections. This fund for musicians initially serves as a pilot scheme for the Islands, with the potential to launch a similar fund for artists in other artistic mediums or extend the initiative to other regions, in future.”
Head of Arts Development for Guernsey Arts Russ Fossey, said: “We see the partnership with ArtHouse Jersey as a wonderful opportunity for musicians from both Islands to further collaborate, giving audiences new experiences and importantly encouraging travel between the islands from both musicians and audiences.”
Musicians in Jersey can learn more and apply here.
Musicians in Guernsey can learn more and apply by visiting here.
Pictured: Burak Özdemir
