News
Stay informed with the latest from the SMIA, including our own news, developments, and exclusive features, alongside key music industry updates from Scotland and beyond.
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MMF Accelerator x SMIA – Opportunities for Funding – Online event this Friday (24/09) from 11am
Join the SMIA and MMF this Friday (24 September) from 11am â midday for an online meet-up to learn about our partnership with the Music Manager Forumâs (MMF) Accelerator Programme, and the opportunities this presents for artist and producer managers based in Scotland. Register for the event via Zoom now: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElcuyqpjwuGdI129FxoTNPqOicMl3-5sTA Since it…
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Support for Traditional Arts projects through Tasgadh grants from FĂšisean nan GĂ idheal
Musicians across Scotland can apply for grants of up to ÂŁ1,000 for traditional arts projects including music, dance and storytelling through the Tasgadh fund.
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Music biggest mental health support for 1 in 5 people during COVID-19 lockdowns, survey finds
More than a fifth of people said live streaming and music had been the biggest support to their mental health through lockdown, new figures suggest. Of the 2063 people surveyed, 16% agreed that knowing thousands of other people also tuned in to live streams with them made lockdown much less of a lonely experience. Almost…
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Updated guidance for musicians in Scotland as Covid-19 restrictions ease
All of Scotland is currently at level 0 of the five Covid-19 protection levels (0-4). Musicians can findâŻan overview of the updated protection levels and timetable on the Scottish Governmentâs website. Please refer to guidance for the performing arts and venues sector and events sector guidance for further information on focused live music/events entertainment. Discos, silent…
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Music venues across Scotland to reopen without physical distancing from next week
Scottish music venues, theatres, concert halls and nightclubs have been given the green light to reopen next week without physical distancing restrictions. Scotlandâs First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that no venues will be legally required to close as of August 9. However, attendees will still be expected to register their details when visiting entertainment…
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Updated story: The latest on the DCMS streaming inquiry
At the start of the lockdown, the Musicians’ Union and Ivors Academy launched the Keep Music Alive campaign, calling streaming royalties “woefully insufficient” and urging the Government to undertake a review.
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Publication of Creative Scotlandâs 2021/22 Annual Plan
Towards Recovery and Renewal Creative Scotlandâs 2021-22 Annual Plan includes a summary programme of the organisationâs work across the year and its updated Strategic Framework â including work towards a more simplified, multi-year funding approach for individuals and organisations. The Plan also sets out Creative Scotlandâs priorities for supporting recovery and renewal across Scotlandâs art and creative sector in the context of the unprecedented and ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. For Creative Scotland and…
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WINNERS ANNOUNCED SCOTTISH AWARDS FOR NEW MUSIC 2021
The winners of the 2021 Scottish Awards for New Music were announced during an online ceremony streamed live from the RSNO Centre, Glasgow on the evening of Wednesday 7 July. Hosted by internationally acclaimed Scottish-based opera star, Andrea Baker, the Awards celebrated the outstanding variety and vibrancy of Scotlandâs contemporary music scene. The online…
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Cross-party consensus for free instrumental tuition in Scotland
After three years of campaigning from the music community the future is looking bright for children learning instruments in Scotland. The Scottish Parliament election is over, new MSPs are inducted and ministers are taking up their portfolios. All of the parties who now have MSPs in the parliament made similar promises in their manifestos, providing…
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BBC Radio Scotland explore links between music, nature and wellbeing
As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, BBC Radio Scotland’s Bruce MacGregor examined the links between nature, wellbeing, and music as part of Thursday nights’ folk and trad show, ‘Traveling Folk’. Nature has long been an influence for musicians and singers, but over the last year we’ve all come to appreciate nature in a whole…
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PRS Foundation’s POWER UP announces 40 Black music creators and industry professionals involved in year 1 of the programme
POWER UP have announced the music creators, industry professionals and executives who will make up Year 1 of the Participant Programme, a key feature of the long-term initiative launched to address anti-Black racism and racial disparities in the music sector. Managed by PRS Foundation and launched in February this year, the Participant Programme elevates exciting…
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New feature length music documentary to celebrate the songs, Â stories and journey of Scotland’s all-female bands
A new feature-length documentary seeks to explore the social impact of women in Scotland making music collectively in a male-dominated industry and rightfully acknowledge their place within the history of popular music. ‘Since Yesterday: The Unsung Pioneers of Scottish Pop’ celebrates the songs,  stories and journey of Scotland’s all-female bands from 1960 to 2010. The production…
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AIM launch ‘Level Up’ – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Training Programme
AIM are launching a full Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Training Programme named âEDI Level-Up’, led by expert diversity consultants Arit Eminue and Vick Bain. Working towards a fair music industry is at the core of AIMâs mission. EDI Level-Up is a carefully curated programme which will break down barriers, and help participants create work…
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Scotlandâs first ever grime and hip hop music conference set for Glasgow this July
A new event to inspire and empower members of Scotland’s hip hop and grime communities launches this summer, helped by some of the most vital names in the scene. BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Rap Show host Tiffany Calver, Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award 2020 winner Nova, rising star Ransom FA and award-winning author/artist…
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MMF launches updated mental health guide at The Great Escape
The UKâs Music Managers Forum has today published a new version of its âGuide To Mental Healthâ, updating the free resource it originally produced in partnership with Music Support and Help Musicians back in 2017. The new expanded version of the guide has been co-authored by Sam Parker of specialist music mental health consultants Parker…
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New report from ISM reveals music businesses under threat due to the Brexit Trade Deal
A new survey by the Incorporated Society of Musicians has revealed how the Brexit Trade Deal has affected businesses such as tour operators, instrument manufacturers and retailers as well as those involved in recording, music publishing and sale of music. One performer said âthe era of being a UK-based concert artist is pretty much overâ.…