UK government tightens criteria for touring funding after ...

The UK government has tightened the criteria for artists applying for touring funding, following the controversy and legal battle from Kneecap. The funds are distributed under the Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS), and sees some £1.6million distributed in grants. These grants range from £5,000 to £50,000, and are designed to help emerging talent go on tour amid rising costs. [...] According to Arts Professional, the criteria has been heightened for the latest round, and will now require those applying for grants to make some “self-declarations” about whether they are planning on doing anything that could be deemed controversial and potentially reflect poorly on the scheme. [...] ##### Recommended According to Arts Professional, artists applying for the MEGS grant now will have to undergo verification checks, and there will also be a review of their social media platforms by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).