Upstream Grant Scheme: Music x Design (Netherlands)

Projects focus on innovative, artistic applications of design, image or technology within the pop music sector. Projects result in physical and/or virtual presentations, product installations or interventions that can be shared with a wide audience.

The scheme complements the Fund’s following general objectives:

• promoting the development of artistic quality;
• stimulating experiment and research;
• strengthening the design disciplines’ international position

Funding Information

• € 225,000 budget current round
• Within this grant scheme, applications will be accepted for:
  • a starting grant of a maximum of € 7,500; or
  • a project grant of a maximum of € 50,000.

Which projects are eligible for a grant?

• Grants are awarded to projects that focus on innovative (artistic) applications of design, image or technology within pop music. The projects should result in physical and/or virtual presentations, products, installations or interventions that are shared with a wide audience. The premiere of the projects must take place in the Netherlands.

What cannot be subsidised?

No grant can be awarded within this scheme for:

• projects in which none of the collaborating parties is primarily active within the disciplines of architecture, design or digital culture;
• projects that do not go beyond regular practice, such as conventional video clips or stage concepts, merchandising and artist branding;
• platforms and (cultural) organisations, they may be involved as partners but not act as main applicants of the project;
• projects where there is no equal collaboration between a designer and music artist.

Who is this scheme intended for?

• This scheme is, this year for the last time, open to collaborative projects between pop artists and designers or makers from the creative industry. Applications must be submitted by the party involved in the creative industry.

For more information, visit Creative Industries Fund NL.