APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2024 MUSIC CREATION SUPPORT FUND ARE NOW CLOSED
The Music Creation Support Fund (MCSF) is based on the rationale that SAMRO Members are music creators and that stimulating their creative process with a micro-grant will assist them in creating new music or completing their musical projects. The micro-grant is disbursed to qualifying members who are selected by an independent adjudication panel based on whether the applications meet a set criteria.
How to apply for MCSF?
SAMRO communicates directly with Full and Associate members during the call-out phase. Qualifying members who may have not received the communique should request an application form via email at mcsf@samro.org.za.
Applicants should note the following:
- The MCSF application and funding applies to SAMRO full and associate members only.
- The micro-grant is for new and original musical works. New and original musical works are those that have not been published, publicly performed or broadcast, and can include a new original composition, or the completion of an unpublished work – for example an EP, album, video or score.
- Applications will be assessed on merit by a committee of music industry professionals based on several criteria, including whether the work is a new and original concept, how likely the final product is to succeed and how realistic and implementable the work plan is.
- The adjudication committee’s decisions will be considered final.
- Members who have previously received MCSF support can apply but priority will be given to successful applicants who have not yet received MCSF support.
- SAMRO members should apply for themselves – no third party applications (music managers, promoters, etc.) will be accepted.
- The funds should play a subsidy/support role, and should not be expected to cover the full costs of the creation/production.
- If the application is approved, SAMRO will inform all successful applicants in writing.
- If the application is approved, SAMRO must be acknowledged in the final version of the work.
- If the application is approved, SAMRO will require a copy of the final product for the SAMRO Music Archive and permission for the work(s) to be available for use as part of SAMRO’s marketing
- Only one application per member will be accepted, and double dipping (two members applying for the same project) will disqualify both members from the support.
Applications are assessed on merit by a committee of independent music industry professionals based on the following criteria:
- Did the work have a new and original concept?
- How likely was the final product to succeed?
- How realistic and implementable was the work plan?
- How realistic was the budget?
- How clear was the anticipated rights distribution of the completed work?
The application deadline is 15 March 2024, at 17H00 (5 pm). Late proposals will not be accepted. For further information, please email mcsf@samro.org.za during working hours (08H00-15H00).
“Music as a profession engages your differently psychologically and the stress of managing the project and still keeping an actively artistic mind can be dangerously stressful. Try and minimise other commitments so that your stress load is less. Because most musicians are self managed, they should maintain a smarter management of schedule and resources. pick one part of the project the fund needs instead of trying to stretch it across the whole project as there are many variables that are out of your control.”
— Morena Sefatsa
“Firstly, I would like to thank SAMRO for this opportunity/funding, this is the best push an artist can get when working on an album, SIYABONGA. I have made an amazing album, managed to get the features I wanted, used a proper studio and proper production through this funding, now what is left, is a few verses from my featured artists and partial mixing on the project, and then the master."
— ZAKWE
“Do not box yourself. Don't ever think that you are not enough to get the job done, if you really want it then prove it - you owe it to yourself to try at least. The opportunities out there are endless. What a time to be alive!”
— Reabetswe ‘ Reba Red’ Mohlabane
“Be realistic about your budget. The release of a musical artworks has many facets and people that need to be paid. When you underpay artists, it hinders the work and puts bad vibes into it. Cutting corners and asking for favors can lead to broke relationships."
— Nontsikelelo Mazwai
SAMRO CSI Programmes
In 2021 SAMRO CSI rolled out two pilot projects with SAMRO’s members in mind – The Music Creation Support Fund and bursaries for the Music Business Short Learning Course at Boston City Campus.
SAMRO CSI’s programmes are outlined below:
Concerts SA
SAMRO Music Archive
Music Business Course
