Ensemble promotion: Does this affect me at all? Yes, because bands or solo artists with a permanent live band (3 or more people and residence in NRW for at least 2 years) are also considered ensembles. That’s why we want to encourage you, musicians from the field of pop culture, to apply, even if you may not feel directly addressed.

Before we start the application process, we invite you to a digital information event on the “Music Ensemble Funding Program” in the new year. This will be a moderated presentation of the funding program by us, the PopBoard NRW and representatives of the Ministry of Culture and Science NRW and the Düsseldorf District Government, followed by an opportunity for you to ask questions.

► Wednesday, 10.01.2024 | 16-17:30 h

The funding is aimed at artists who have already taken their first steps. Are you interested? Then take your time to look at the funding conditions and contact us at mail@popboard.nrw by 05.01.24!

The most important information at a glance:

► Objective: The aim of the state’s funding is to promote the particular artistic and cultural quality of the respective ensemble (band) in its specific segment (see point 3 of the funding principles for details)

► Who is supported:

Independent professional music ensembles (including bands) that have been based in North Rhine-Westphalia for at least two years and carry out artistic projects predominantly in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Furthermore, the ensemble director and the musicians of the core ensemble must have their center of work in North Rhine-Westphalia.

► Duration & scope:

Ensemble funding is generally granted from September 1 of the year of application and is approved for up to three years (36 months).

The project must not have been started yet.

Ensembles (bands) with three or more members can apply for funding of €20,000 up to €100,000 per year/per season

► What is funded:

In addition to project-related expenses, up to 30% of the ensemble’s overhead costs may be recognized as eligible for funding.

An own contribution (cash) of at least 10% of the total expenditure is required.

Necessary application documents: formal application, detailed concept description (approx. 5 pages), concert planning, list of regular cast, detailed cost and financing plan (broken down by year)

Deadline: 28.02. in each case. of the year of the start of the project (submission to the responsible district government)

Further or detailed information:

Ministry website: Comprehensive strengthening of independent music scenes, item “Ensemble promotion”: www.mkw.nrw/kultur/foerderungen/staerkungsinitiative-kultur

Funding principles: www.mkw.nrw/sites/default/files/documents/2019-03/mkw_nrw_kultur_foerdergrundsaetze_musik_ensemblefoerderung.pdf

You can read a short field report from a sponsored band HERE.