by Author Julia Payne

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the hub announces support for game-changing ideas for independent music

Got a potentially ‘game-changing’ idea? Work in independent music? If so, a project launched this month by independent music development company, the hub, might be just what you need.

Opening on 9 December, the hub’s Joining the Dots programme will provide artists, promoters and others working in independent music in England with ‘seed corn’ funding of up to £10,000 to test alternative models they think could help make live music more financially viable. The project focuses on 3 specific aspects of live music: 

  • Financing touring, commissioning and presenting live music 
  • Using digital technology to increase live attendance and income 
  • Developing young adult audiences for specialist independent music (eg. jazz, folk and electronica) 

Joining the Dots will support 6 potential game-changers, who will each get a bursary of up to £10,000, plus mentoring and networking support. The hub’s director, Julia Payne hopes that “Joining the Dots will unlock some really disruptive thinking that could change the landscape, and the status quo, and make a real difference to artists and music businesses.“  

Broadcaster and artist Tom Robinson, who appears in the project’s launch film, is clear how important he thinks new models are for the future of live music. Interviewed for the film, he says:   

“So many people of my generation say that the model of music is broken, the industry is doomed... and that it’s a terrible time to be making music. I totally disagree. There’s never been a better time for artists with genuine talent to get heard, but that’s going to depend on us finding new models of earning money and interacting with the audience.”

Applying for a Joining the Dots award is simple; initially all applicants need to do is submit a short film about their idea. Applications are open 9 December 2013 - 31 January 2014. If the Joining the Dots panel likes your idea, you’ll be asked to work it up in more detail by March 2014. 

From March 2014, the hub will also host a series of Joining the Dots ‘semesters’, including webinars, blogs, online resources and meet ups, designed to help people make a living from independent music.  

Find out more and watch the launch film at: www.joiningthedotsmusic.com (from 2 December).

Follow all the news on twitter: @tweetsatthehub and facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehubuk