Applications are invited for Northern Line, Jazz North’s live touring support programme for northern artists.

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

This artist opportunity offers bursaries of up to £3000, a showcase at manchester jazz festival and dedicated 1:1 support. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Northern Line is now open for applications until Wednesday 11th December, 12 noon

Jazz North, development agency for northern jazz, has been boosting artists’ careers since its inception in 2012. Northern Line is the flagship development programme that takes their live touring careers to the next level.

This transformational scheme offers northern jazz and jazz-adjacent artists and bands intensive 1:1 career-wide support, industry upskilling and a live touring bursary of up to £3000.

Chris Bye, Jazz North CEO, says:
“Jazz North is proud to announce the launch of the latest round of Northern Line.  This is the most established development programme for supporting live jazz music in the North and is an invaluable resource for artistic and career development. Wherever you live in the North East, North West, or Yorkshire, if you represent the vibrant, unique sound of the North, then this is your opportunity.”

Past Northern Line artist, Marco Woolf, said:
“Northern Line has played a pivotal role in what has been the most transformative period of my career so far. I went into this scheme with a head full of ideas but not so much clarity but being able to sit with Jazz North to talk things through and set up a detailed plan for my career changed everything, it meant that the shows I did were not only fun but actually added real value and development for me.”

Northern Line artists are selected through an open application process, shortlisted by an advisory panel of music industry experts.  For this 11th round, the panel includes Rob Farhat (Contemporary Music Programmer, Kings Place), Jez Matthews (The Lescar, Sheffield), Hannabiell Sanders (previous Northern Line artist), and other jazz specialists from major UK venues and national radio. 

Successful applicants will perform at the Northern Line Showcase at manchester jazz festival (mjf) on Sunday 18th May 2025 in front of a public audience and invited music industry guests.

mjf is the North’s most celebrated jazz festival, with a reputation for fostering rising jazz talent through their own bespoke development schemes and innovative events programme.

Steve Mead, mjf’s Artistic Director, says:
“Jazz North’s Northern Line Showcase is a natural fit for mjf, as both organisations share a passion for celebrating northern talent. mjf audiences can look forward to the surprise, energy and diversity of the new roster, presented for the first time at our free opening weekender at First Street.”

Northern Line opens for applications at midday on Wednesday 13th November. Applications close at midday on Monday 11th December 2024.

Visit http://www.jazznorth.org/northern-line-application-page to find out more and apply.

About Northern Line
Northern Line is Jazz North’s live touring support resource for Northern artists. The programme champions the most pioneering, bold and innovative artists across the scene. It’s a roster of the best talent, recognised by promoters, festivals, funders and management.
The programme supports northern artists to reach the next stage of their live performance career and meet their ambitions through targeted 1:1 support and network development. 
5 bands from jazz and jazz-related genres are selected each year through an open application and rigorous selection process by a panel of independent industry experts from across the UK.

About Jazz North
Jazz North is the Strategic Development Agency for jazz in the North of England.
Supported since its inception in 2012 by Arts Council England, Jazz North has a national and international reputation in Artist Development, Sector Support and Learning & Participation.
A registered charity that has developed and supported hundreds of artists, managers, venues, festivals and promoters over the years - Jazz North has a proud record of working with and on behalf of the northern jazz scene.

About manchester jazz festival (mjf) 
mjf is the city’s longest-running music festival, championing regional artists, new commissions, European collaborations and musical innovation. 2025 mark’s mjf’s 30th anniversary and takes place from 16-25 May at indoor and outdoor city centre venues.
mjf is the only UK winner of the Europe Jazz Network Award for Adventurous Programming, the UK’s first festival Keychange signatory, supporting gender balance across stages, and was the first Founder Member of the Black Lives in Music charter. An Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, mjf also receives support through the PRS Foundation’s Talent Development Network, GMCA’s Culture Fund and Manchester City Council’s Culture Partnerships Grants programme.