The UK government have revealed details of this year’s Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS). This year’s initiative will utilise £1.6 million funded by the Department for Business and Trade and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, to support 58 independent UK artists to tour the world.
Originating in 2014 as a scheme to provide direct financial support to independent acts, MEGS has allowed acts to use high-quality marketing and promotional compaigns abroad, in an attempt to attract new fans overseas, create bigger touring opportunities and generate revenue. These outcomes broaden the UK’s music export potential, giving UK artists access to global markets, fine-tuning the UK music industry with fresh talent to revitalise the British economy.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy spoke about the benefits of MEGS, stating: “The Music Export Growth Scheme has helped so many of our talented homegrown artists launch their careers internationally. As part of our Plan for Change, we are supporting our creative industries to reach their full potential including through this latest round of funding, which will help the next generation of artists to tour abroad, market themselves to new audiences and showcase the best of British culture and creativity to the world.”
British music is going global!
We’re thrilled to announce the 58 recipients of funding from Round 23 of the Music Export Growth Scheme! In partnership with @DCMS and @biztradegovuk
Can you see your favourite artist?
Read more about MEGS here: https://t.co/1lIJoSjMcBpic.twitter.com/T4mFoYP89w
— BPI (@bpi_music) March 8, 2025
Supporting thousands of musical acts across all genres since it’s ascension, MEGS has assisted in the creation of international careers of Jungle, Ezra Collective, Dave, beabadoobee and so many more.
Acts apply for grants ranging from £5,000 to £50,000 to facilitate efforts to launch their career’s overseas.
The news of this year’s scheme not long follows its negative attention in the media after Irish hip-hop trio KNEECAP took the UK government to court, after their application for the grant in 2023 was declined early last year. The group won the legal battle, on the grounds of discrimination, which alerted to the dangers of the scheme being hyper-politicised as it became apparent the then-Conservative government opposed KNEECAP’s application based on their fervent pro-Ireland stance, highly provocative and politically-charged musical content.
The Irish band Kneecap have won a discrimination case against the UK government.
The trio launched legal action after the former business secretary Kemi Badenoch withdrew their arts grant.
Kneecap claimed this discriminated against them because of their political opinions. pic.twitter.com/QAh9ydNNcY
— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) November 29, 2024
This year’s £1.6 million is the most the scheme has ever given away to its participants, this comes at a time where the government are focusing on their upcoming Industrial Strategy to promote growth in the UK’s creative industries. The sector reportedly employs more than 2.4 million people and is worth almost £125 billion to the UK economy.
When speaking on the UK Creative Industries Sector Gareth Thomas, Minister for Exports and Small Businesses, said: “The UK has always led the way with its world-renowned musical acts, and this funding is vital to supporting smaller music companies to seize opportunities abroad. Not only will this help shine a spotlight on the best of British talent globally, but it will drive exports aboard, amplifying growth at home in the UK.”
This year’s eclectic mix of beneficiaries of the Music Growth Export Scheme include: Blossoms, Lambrini Girls, Matt Maltese, Nova Twins, Soft Play, Wunderhorse and more. You can find the full list here.
