As Music Export Growth Scheme application deadline approaches, FAC, AIM, MMF & MU issue important statement

FAC along with MMF, AIM & MU have issued a statement about the new Music Export Growth Scheme eligibility criteria.

We (FAC, AIM, MMF & MU) are writing to you today to inform independent labels, artists and their representatives considering applying to the MEGS scheme aware of an important change to the application and funding process.  

On 1st December, the Department for Business and Trade published updated documentation confirming that it will assess “potential reputational risk” relating to applicants and supported artists. We’ve since been informed that “reputational due diligence” will now be carried out during the application stage. No clear criteria has been set out.  

This change matters. The Music Export Growth Scheme was created to help UK-registered independent music businesses and the artists they work with better able to promote UK music overseas, through grants to support international marketing campaigns. It is one of the very few public schemes specifically designed to help independent artists and music businesses reach global audiences.     

For the many of us, the suggestion of filtering for eligibility in this way raises deep concerns. Independent music has often thrived on work that pushes boundaries, creatively, politically, socially, and aesthetically. Punk, hip hop, techno, folk, industrial, experimental and other musical movements have challenging ideas or uncomfortable themes at their core. They are part of the art form, not a 'red flag' for support   

The criteria for any such assessment should be clearly set out, created in consultation with experts and industry stakeholders, it must not affect equity, diversity or inclusion, and must be firmly grounded in freedom of expression. Without this, there is a risk that legitimate artistic expression could be misunderstood as a reputational concern, and that would undermine exactly the sort of creativity MEGS exists to support.   

We remain clear that unlawful discrimination, harassment, or abusive behaviour are never acceptable. But difficult, provocative, or unconventional art is not misconduct.   

Please note that under these new rules the applicant to the scheme will be liable to repay monies if the government judges that, within 3 years of receiving the grant, their terms have been breached.  If a manager, label or other representative has acted on behalf of the artist as the applicant, then that representative could potentially be personally liable for the repayment of funds. 

Until clearer guidance is provided, we encourage artists and labels applying for MEGS to be aware of these new requirements and to proceed mindfully. We will continue to ask for transparency and safeguards to ensure these measures do not limit the diverse, challenging, and essential art that defines the UK's groundbreaking independent music.