The UK Government has changed the criteria for artists applying for its Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS).
The grant scheme offers between £5,000 – £50,000 to UK-registered independent music companies to “assist them with marketing campaigns when looking to introduce successful UK music projects overseas,” says MEGS
As reported by Arts Professional, the new measures will ask artists to make “self-declarations regarding any activities that could be considered to bring the scheme into disrepute in the three years before and after an award is made.”
As part of the new measures, entrants will be subject to verification checks administered by the Department for Business and Trade, which includes an assessment of social media and news content.
Originally published by the British Phonographic Industry, the new guidance states that “damaging” actions from acts include “conviction of serious criminal activity – including but not limited to offences relating to terrorism, violence, organised crime, sexual offences, fraud, or corruption, which will inform our consideration of your application.”
In 2024, KNEECAP won a legal case against the UK Government after almost £15,000 worth of funds were withdrawn from the band. The band were awarded the originally granted £14,250, which they donated amongst two organisations in Northern Ireland who work with Protestant and Catholic communities (Glór Na Móna in Ballymurphy and RCity Belfast).
KNEECAP will be performing at Boomtown, Reading & Leeds, Primavera Sound Porto and more in 2026.
