Continuo Foundation invites applications for 2023 round of grants

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Continuo Foundation announces the launch of its fifth round of project grants. This round will provide £100,000 in support for creative projects to be carried out by period-instrument ensembles in the UK between April and September 2023. These funds, raised from Continuo’s donors, will be allocated based on a two-stage evaluation process guided by the Foundation’s Advisory Panel of sector experts. 

As in previous rounds, the grants are intended to enable ensembles to plan and carry out a range of projects that bring inspiring live music to communities across the UK, particularly in under-served areas. Grants awarded so far have supported 240 events taking place in 105 locations, reaching 80,000 in-person and online audience members, many of whom are new to classical music. 

Since its inception, Continuo Foundation has provided a total of £460,000 in support to 65 ensembles for projects which have created work for over 700 freelance musicians. One recent grant recipient, The Monteverdi String Band, commented: ’Thanks to the Continuo Foundation’s support, we have been able to connect with new audiences, develop the ensemble musically, recover from Covid-related financial losses, and consolidate a new, ongoing relationship with a festival we had not previously visited.’ 

A separate eligibility category for recently-formed ensembles, primarily young artists, will feature again in this round. Previous grantees in this category have reported that the grant helped them to establish themselves professionally and to secure future bookings by offering increased visibility and an opportunity to gain valuable performing experience. 

Continuo Foundation expects to award 20 grants of between £2,000 and £8,000, of which up to four will go to recently-formed ensembles.

Continuo’s initial aim when founded in 2020 was to address the debilitating effects of pandemic-related cancellations on freelance period-instrument musicians. The focus in 2022 was on recovery, rebuilding the careers of musicians and bringing live music to as many UK regions as possible. Continuo plans to continue to provide a platform for fostering long-term growth in performance activity and audiences, widening access and increasing financial sustainability. Last year’s grant recipients were Baroque In The North, Brook Street Band, Cedar Consort, Ceruleo, Chelys Consort of Viols, Ex Cathedra, Feinstein Ensemble, Figure Ensemble, Fiori Musicali, Fretwork, Galliarda, Gonzaga Band, Laudonia, Linarol Consort of Viols, Lux Musicae London, Manchester Baroque, The Mozartists, Musical & Amicable Society, Sackbut Frenzy, Solomon’s Knot, Spiritato, The TFG, The Vauxhall Band, and Yorkshire Baroque Soloists.

Professional UK-based ensembles of at least three period instrumentalists are eligible to apply for grants. The application submission period runs from 10 January to 6 February 2023. Grant award decisions are expected by 23 March 2023. Full details on how to apply are available on the website here.