Last chance for Manchester musicians to get £1,000 grant from Factory International

She said: “Factory Sounds, now in its fourth year, originated as a response to the pandemic’s challenges.

“The goal was to provide financial support, networking opportunities, and visibility to musicians across Manchester during a difficult time.”

It has gone from strength to strength, helping artists realise their ambition.

She emphasised the success of the previous three cohorts, noting their incredible feedback and achievements, including performances, signings, and DJ Lessons and other diverse projects.

The funds are directed towards the creation of new projects or the development of artists and musicians. Explaining the selection process, Rivca mentioned a panel with various industry professionals that considers criteria and evaluates the right timing and place for the musicians.

Sharing success stories, Rivca highlighted projects like the creation of a management company by Sam Malick, DJ training provided by All Hands on Deck, and Wanda’s creation of a new record leading to a signing with Heavenly Records. Other success stories included the development of the night Rojak and Loose Articles supporting the Foo Fighters and representing Manchester at South by Southwest.

“Factory Sounds offers more than just financial support; it includes mentorship and peer-to-peer networking.

“We also offer meetups, and Q&A sessions conducted as part of the cohort to guide musicians throughout their process.

“It’s a one-stop shop for advice and to pick other people’s brains from the industry.”

Ricva added that Factory International were committed to helping local musicians realise their potential.

She said: “The development of artists, both local and global, is integral to the work of Factory International. Manchester is home to a vibrant community of creative and talented musicians, and programs like Factory Sounds allow us to contribute to the growth of this dynamic scene.

“When grassroots art thrives, the whole scene thrives. This is our small effort in helping out where we can.”

Factory Sounds Beneficiaries

Previous beneficiary Meduulla shared, “Factory Sounds allowed me to reach another stage in my career as a professional musician.

“It gives the opportunity to meet people outside your usual genre, collaborate, and learn from other artists, which really helps you grow.”

Other Sounds alumni include: All Hands on Deck, Balraj Samrai, Bitez, Chris Massey, Dirty Freud, Edane Ng, Fixed Abode, Foxglove, FREEQUENCY3, Gibbon, Hur̃guf, iss3n, Jacob Connor, James Holt, Jasmin Issaka, Ku’umba, Lavender Rodriguez, Lone Taxidermist, Loose Articles, Magpahi, Mali Hayes, Maryanne Royle, Meduulla, Obeka, OneDa, PRIDO, Rohaan, SAF-S2E, Sam Malik, SHAR, Sophie Cooper, Sprechen, STNLY, Test Card Girl and Vzion.

As part of a rich programme of events across all art forms, Aviva Studios will add to the city’s thriving music scene, with a broad range of gigs, including in-house concerts and collaborations with local and national promotors.

Factory Sounds is just one way in which Factory International supports local artists, building on the organisation’s track record of commissioning artists to make new work.

Factory International provides a training ground for the next generation of creators with a focus on creating opportunities for artists from the North of England, particularly those most underrepresented in the sector.

The Factory International Fellowship

Also open for application is the Factory International Fellowship which offers six artists from the North the opportunity to shadow the creation of major new work at Aviva Studios.

As part of the Fellowship programme, successful artists will shadow the making of a Factory International commission, receive a financial bursary, and be offered a mentor tailored to their specialism and needs, developing artistic ambition and critical thinking.

If you’d like to apply, you can do so by clicking here