PRS Foundation

On 30 January, the POWER UP cohort linked up at the iconic Southbank Centre for a proper focused meet-up rooted in community, cultural currency and building sustainably in this game.

Big love to and the team for holding space for us.



Yaw and Ben encouraged everyone to make these final four months count and lock in those vital memberships and links before the programme wraps.



Our Year 5 cohort had space for genuine connection, active listening and meaningful networking - plus a powerful in-conversation with POWER UP alum Jamz Supernova, who spoke honestly about the importance of in-person connection, setting digital boundaries and protecting your creative energy at all costs.



We were also joined by representatives from , , , , , , and who all took the time to get to know our POWER UP members on a 1-1 basis ✨

Thanks to our POWER UP Partners :

🎶 10 UK artists are heading to Eurosonic Noorderslag 2026 with support from PRS Foundation’s International Showcase Fund 🌍

This year’s supported artists inc. EV, Hetta Falzon, Mount Palomar, mustbejohn, Nightbus, Plantoid, Slate, SOAPBOX, The New Eves and Wesley Joseph - representing exciting talent breaking through from across the UK ✨

2026 also marks 20 years of the International Showcase Fund, supporting UK artists to take their music into new overseas territories 🚀

From EV landing plays on BBC Radio 1 to Mount Palomar being named Track of the Day by Hot Press, Slate earning rave reviews from NMEand Clash Magazine, and SOAPBOX receiving a 9/10 EP review from God Is In The TV Zine.- this cohort showcases just how strong the UK’s emerging music scene is right now ✨🎵

👉 To find out more about our funded grantees, read the full story on our website.

Huge thanks to our International Showcase Fund Partners:
PPL - Phonographic Performance Ltd British Underground Creative Scotland British Council Arts Council Northern Ireland, Arts Council England Musicians' Union Cyngor Celfyddydau Cymru | Arts Council of Wales Wales Arts International UK Business and Trade🎶🎵

POWER UP, now in its fifth year, proudly brought together its current cohort on an inaugural residential programme in Manchester last month, thanks to a new collaboration with .

The residential provided participants with two days of creative exploration, professional development, community building and a chance to rest and reset. The programme featured sessions on the psychology of music, a restorative sound bath and healing session, a leadership and resilience workshop and a powerful panel conversation with leading industry figures.

Participants were able to bond over their shared experiences, reflect on their journeys and collaborate in evening studio sessions that sparked spontaneous music-making. Designed to deepen connections and strengthen confidence, the residential offered a vital space for Black music creators and industry professionals to reconnect with their values, broaden their networks and energise their ambitions.

It was an enjoyable and enriching experience for everyone who was involved and we hope this POWER UP residential will be the first of many more to come.






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