Applications open for PRS Foundation’s Power Up

Power Up have announced that applications for Year 2 of the initiative, which aims to help elevate Black music creators and industry professionals’ careers, are now open. 

Grants, mentoring, marketing, network and partner support, including from Spotify and YouTube Music, are all accessible through the programme.

Participants will be at crucial career stages, working in any genre or sub-sector, and in need of guidance to ‘power up’ and break the glass ceiling.

20 Black music creators and 20 Black executives and industry professionals, all UK based, will be supported following the success of Power Up’s launch last year.

Triumphs from the initiatives debut in 2021 include Hannah Shogbola being added to the Music Week Women in Music Awards Role of Honour. Abel Selaocoe’s BBC Proms performance of Africa Meets Europe receiving a four star review from The Times and The Guardian awarding Daniel Kidane’s BBC Proms piece Revel four stars in their review. Let’s also not Nova Twins appearing on the Times Square NYC Billboards for their critically acclaimed debut album.

Speaking about the impact of the programme on his career, KG (a Year 1 participant) said: ‘The access alone to music industry resources, business and financial knowledge [and] the benefit of community support [is] absolutely priceless. I am truly grateful.’

Ben Wynter, Power Up co-founder, explained the need for Power Up to exist as an agent for change. He said: 'My desire from day one was for Power Up to be the bridge between those that posted black squares and the Black talent in the business, to facilitate better dialogue for those companies that wanted to do better but didn’t know how to and break down the unspoken barriers that exist.’

‘Whilst there is still a long way to go, I hope that more organisations will engage with Power Up and as a result, our participants will lead the vanguard as they take huge personal steps and make giant leaps of change within the industry.’

The deadline for applications is 6pm Thursday 17 February 2022 with successful applicants announced in April 2022.

If you’re interested in applying or have any questions, head to the PRS Foundation website and watch the video.

Outreach and advice sessions will also be announced via @TimeToPowerUp_ social media channels in the coming weeks.