Call for applications: Concerts SA Digital Mobility Fund 2021

Following the success of its last two Digital Mobility Funds, which were introduced as an active response to the challenges facing the live music scene due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Concerts SA recently announced an extensive call-out for 2021.

Concerts SA has supported thousands of musicians to tour the southern African region, offering support for transport, accommodation and artist fees, among others. This year’s call is intended for local artists who want to present a professional, high-quality live-streamed or delayed broadcast performance. The concerts need to be recorded with a live audience in line with all COVID-19 protocols in place at the time.

Requirements

• Applicants are required to create a band/artist profile on the Music In Africa website (www.musicinafrica.net). A Music In Africa profile allows music professionals to add a concise professional bio, pictures, videos, music and other career aspects. The URL link is required in the application form. Watch the video below to learn how to create a Music In Africa profile.
• Successful applicants will receive a grant of R30 000. The Concerts SA grant may not cover the full costs of the production, therefore plans or evidence of income from ticket sales, partnerships, and any other additional support improve chances of success.
• Artists must ensure the careful ownership and management of their music rights in their dealings with streaming platforms for this call-out, and in terms of future self-management.
• Concerts SA will not take any responsibility for the health and safety of the musicians, crew and audiences at the venues. Health and safety protocols in accordance with government directives for the events are essential.
• In line with the above criteria and the need for social distancing, Concerts SA cannot consider applications for large-scale live events.
• An independent adjudication panel will be responsible for selecting and approving the recipients of these subsidies.
• Submitting an application does not guarantee applicants a support subsidy.
• The time period in which a concert recording and streaming needs to take place is between 4 October 2021 to 5 December 2021. Reports are mandatory within seven days on completion of the broadcast/stream.
• The names of successful applicants will be published on the Concerts SA and IKSafrica.com websites and no further correspondence will be entered.
• Reporting is a prerequisite, and that funding will be disbursed in tranches and final disbursement is dependent on accurate and approved reporting.

NOTE:

• Applicants must fill in the form from Step 1 to Step 5, and in that order. Step 6 will show applicants an overview of their application.
• A preview of the form is available for download below (in PDF).
• If applicants lose internet connection, each step they’ve completed will be saved to their browser. The browser will save the application for applicants to come back to it. Ensure you do not close the browser.

Interested artists can apply here.

The application deadline is 8 September at 5pm.

The Digital Mobility Fund is administered by IKS Cultural Consulting on behalf of Concerts SA, a joint South African-Norwegian live music development project that receives financial, administrative and technical support from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the SAMRO Foundation.

In 2020, Concerts SA published a comprehensive report that unpacks the different live-streaming activities in South Africa and assess the underlying business models to evaluate the risks and opportunities for live streaming. Read the report here.

View the original Concerts SA Digital Mobility Fund 2021 open call here.