Continuo Foundation launches its 10th round of project grants

Continuo Foundation has raised £100,000 for grants to support Early Music concerts, tours and other creative projects, and is now inviting applications. This 10th round of grants will provide funding to enable artistic projects anywhere in the UK.

All UK-based professional period-instrument ensembles with three or more instrumentalists are eligible to apply. Once again, there will be a dedicated category for emerging groups, reflecting Continuo’s commitment to supporting the next generation of artists and new creative partnerships. As part of Continuo’s usual evaluation framework, project proposals will be assessed by the Foundation’s expert Advisory Panel and Trustees, based on artistic quality, audience reach, and long-term impact.

Having identified a need among grantees for longer lead times for planning projects, Continuo is extending the project timeframe so that each grant round covers seven months, rather than six, with May and November as overlap months. This will offer grantees greater flexibility and continuity, as well as more time for effective marketing and expanding tours.

Tina Vadaneaux, Founder and CEO of Continuo Foundation, comments:

‘Since 2021, Continuo Foundation has been investing £100,000 every six months to help period-instrument performers do what they do best – bring Early Music to life. In challenging times for classical music, I'm really delighted and moved to see how these grants are unleashing so many exciting new programmes, tours, and recordings shared with audiences across the UK.’

In addition to its grants, the Foundation supports the Early Music sector by providing a free digital resource – ContinuoConnect.com. This website offers a directory of professional vocal and instrumental ensembles, concert and festival listings, articles and interviews, curated playlists and multi-media content to encourage discovery and open access to early music for audiences everywhere.

Applications for Round 10 grants will be open from Tuesday 1 July until 11.59pm on Tuesday 5 August. Grant decisions will be announced by Thursday, 18 September.

Grants will range from £2,000 to £8,000. Full details, including eligibility and selection criteria, and required forms (budget template and grant application), are available on the Continuo Foundation website.