At a Glance
- Tasks: Apply for funding to boost live music events in Bradford's grassroots venues.
- Company: Bradford Culture Company and Bradford District Music Strategy.
- Benefits: Up to £1,500 to enhance local music events and support artists.
- Other info: Applications open from 22 July to 11 August 2026.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Bradford's vibrant music scene and support local talent.
- Qualifications: Open to grassroots venues and promoter collaborations with live music experience.
Up to £1500 for five grassroots venues or venue/promoter collaborations in Bradford.
Applications open: 9am Wednesday 22 July 2026
Applications close: 11pm Tuesday 11 August 2026
Bradford Culture Company and Bradford District Music Strategy are inviting applications for Grassroots Music Venue and Promoter Support, in collaboration with Bradford Music Month 2026. The initiative will provide up to £1,500 to support five grassroots music venues or venue/promoter collaborations to deliver live music events during Bradford Music Month (1-30 November 2026). The support is designed to help venues strengthen existing events or create new opportunities that celebrate Bradford's vibrant music scene, support local artists, grow audiences and ensure artists and crew are paid fairly.
What can the support be used for?
- Booking additional artists
- Scaling up an existing event
- Securing a larger headline act
- Improving production values
- Increasing accessibility
- Expanding marketing and audience development activity
We are looking for events that will make a positive contribution to Bradford Music Month while helping to build a stronger, more sustainable live music ecology across the district.
Who can apply?
Applications are welcome from:
- Bradford district-based grassroots music venues
- Venue and promoter collaborations
- Venues that have a track record of delivering live music events and can deliver an event during Bradford Music Month
For this initiative, a grassroots music venue is typically a locally recognised, music-first venue with a capacity of under 500 that supports emerging artists and plays an important role in Bradford's live music scene.
What are we looking for?
- Feature local artists
- Reflect the diversity of Bradford's music scene
- Reach new or diverse audiences
- Keep ticket prices affordable
- Provide inclusive and welcoming experiences
- Demonstrate a commitment to fair pay and good working conditions
Applications will also need to show how the financial support will make a meaningful difference to the proposed event.
Assessment
- Strength of the proposed live music activity
- Value added by the financial support
- Commitment to fair pay and good working conditions
- Contribution to diversity, access and audience development
- Quality of promotion and marketing plans
- A clear and realistic budget
Key dates
- 9am Wednesday 22 July 2026 – Applications open
- 11pm Tuesday 11 August 2026 – Applications close
- End of August 2026 – Successful applicants notified
- 1-30 November 2026 – Events delivered as part of Bradford Music Month
Bradford District Music Strategy is supported with funding from Arts Council England's Supporting Grassroots Music fund, with the aim to help shape future funding priorities, improve support for grassroots venues, and strengthen routes for local musicians and industry professionals to build sustainable careers in Bradford.
Funding Boost for Grassroots Live Music in Bradford employer: Bradford Culture Company
Bradford Culture Company is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that champions the voices of Global Majority creatives. With a focus on professional development through bespoke mentoring and training, this theatre development programme not only enhances artistic skills but also builds valuable networks within the live performance community in West Yorkshire. Participants will benefit from a supportive environment that encourages collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal opportunity for those passionate about theatre making.
