UP:Next information in English

For the second year, the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds launches a financial grant for pop musicians from Utrecht: UP:Next. Professional artists from the province of Utrecht can submit a plan for a new step in their career. At the end of 2021, a panel of judges will award one plan with €10.000. The artist can use this money to focus on an innovative musical project which will lead to a live presentation at the end of 2022.

Are you due for the next step in your music career? Are you ready to strike a different note? To focus on a new project? Submit your plan before 1 August 2021.

Not an award, but forward

We are proud of our artists from Utrecht. And of their important contribution on a local, provincial and (inter)national level. It’s important that the musical landscape in Utrecht continues to grow and expand. With UP:Next, the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds stimulates the artist to continue to develop themselves and to keep building a lasting career. It’s a prelude to the next step.

How to submit

We are looking for (pre) mid career artists who want to strike a different note compared to their existing repertoire in content or form. You are actively searching for how to reach a broad, and possibly new, audience. You think about your stage presentation and new ways to connect with the audience.

You can submit via this link. Here you can find all the criteria (in Dutch). Please note that the application (text and/or video) needs to be in Dutch. All other forms of correspondence will also be in Dutch.

Timeline

2021
1 JuneSubmission starting date UP:Next
1 AugustSubmission closing date UP:Next
1 SeptemberShortlist announcement
13 OctoberShortlisted plans are to be presented to the judges
1 DecemberUP:Next musician is chosen
2022

End of 2022
Final presentation UP:Next musician