Factory Sounds, a branch of Factory International, is expanding its support for Greater Manchester’s music industry. This year, its scheme will award £1,000 grants to 15 successful applicants – an increase from 11 last year. Backed by Adidas Originals, the initiative aims to nurture talent through financial backing, peer networking, and masterclasses in artist management, promotion, and fundraising.
This announcement comes as national efforts to support the UK music industry ramp up. Liverpool and Birmingham have both secured government funding to boost music-focused technology, while Spotify recently launched a grassroots funding initiative to help save fifteen small music spaces across the UK after partnering with Youth Music. With growing concerns about AI-generated music threatening artists’ livelihoods, Factory Sounds underscores the importance of investing in human creativity.
STEAM Radio, part of the 2024 cohort earlier this year, exemplifies the programme’s impact. Based in Hulme, the community station launched during the COVID-19 lockdown and now hosts 80 presenters spanning diverse genres. STEAM provides a platform for emerging talent to established presenters, and everything in between, showcasing music from local artists to contributions from as far afield as Jakarta and Rio de Janeiro.
Factory Sounds’ flexibility embraces both cutting-edge and traditional art forms. A 2022 recipient, Obeka, used the grant to create a soundscape album inspired by South American, African, and Caribbean influences. 2025’s programme will continue to champion diverse voices, supporting underrepresented artists, including those from the global majority, trans and non-binary creators, and those who identify as disabled or neurodivergent.
Factory Sounds plays a key role in building upon Manchester’s storied artistic heritage. Named after the iconic Factory Records, the initiative also benefits from design input by Peter Saville, known for his iconic album covers, including Unknown Pleasures. Factory International’s mission is to fuel artistic ambition, offering space for innovation, collaboration, and experimentation in its home at Aviva Studios.
The Adidas Originals Creator Network North, another initiative under the Factory International umbrella, complements Factory Sounds by supporting young creatives across Manchester who are involved in visual arts. Participants receive mentorship from industry professionals, access to state-of-the-art equipment, and £600 bursaries. The six-month programme culminates in a collaborative showcase at Aviva Studios, offering participants real-world experience and a chance to build valuable industry connections.
Aviva Studios itself is a landmark for the city’s cultural ambitions, supported by £7 million from Arts Council England and a £35 million sponsorship from Aviva Insurance. Over the next decade, it is expected to contribute over £1 billion to Manchester’s economy. It will host an exhibition of David Hockney’s work throughout December.
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Sam Malik, a 2022 grant recipient, summed up the programme’s value: “Receiving this support not only enabled my project but validated the need to support underrepresented musicians in Greater Manchester.” With this year’s expanded offering, Factory Sounds continues to reflect Manchester’s diverse population while paving the way for its artistic future.
The 2025 grants, open for applications until 20 January, invite written or video submissions. Applicants must outline their project plans, budget allocation, and previous work. Grants are available to a wide range of music professionals, from musicians and DJs to promoters and label owners. You can apply here.
