Here’s some of the most common questions we get asked by those applying to mjf hothouse, soundcheck and mjf originals.
HELP! I’M NOT SURE WHICH SCHEME IS RIGHT FOR ME.
This is a common question for us so let’s try and steer you in the right direction.
Our programmes work like a ladder. You hop on at soundcheck, which is for young musicians aged 18-25 based in Greater Manchester. If you are just starting out, or haven’t been accepted onto any artist development programmes before, perhaps you’ve not performed in public yet, or maybe you don’t know that many people in the music industry – then Soundcheck is a good start for you.
Next up the ladder is mjf hothouse. hothouse is for artists who are that little further along in their careers. You might have already released an EP, toured a little, formed relationships with industry professionals – and you are now ready for a little extra push during a pivotal point in your career. You must be over 18 to join hothouse, but there is no upper age limit. We are more interested in the stage that you’re at professionally and finding out if our support can have a big impact on you.
You might then go on further up to apply for mjf originals, our commissioning scheme. You would be ready for mjf originals if you have a clear vision for the music you are making. You will have a strong base in the music industry already. The commission would support you to take risks whilst creating something new and exciting. You’ll be confident in pitching the project to us and we would trust you to deliver it fully managed by yourself.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN ‘APPLY WITH A NEW IDEA’?
mjf are interested in supporting artists to create new work. We ask you to summarise a new idea that is exciting and relevant for you now. It might be the early stages or seed of an idea, perhaps a subject or theme you are interested in. You might cite influential artists who inspire you and describe how it will sound, be performed. It’s your work, and we are interested in learning more about what makes you unique as a maker.
All our programmes involve supporting artists to develop these ideas, so what we are looking for at the application stage is something creative, clear and relevant.
I HAVE ACCESS NEEDS AND REQUIRE ADJUSTMENTS TO APPLY
Absolutely. We can provide materials in alternative formats, should you need this please contact Helen Goodman. We welcome applications via the usual online forms, or alternatively as videos. We are also pleased to work with you and find a format that works best for you and your needs.
Our talent development schemes exist to create the best conditions for artists to make work. It all starts with a conversation, so please get in touch.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY ARTISTS ‘BASED IN THE NORTH’?
At manchester jazz festival we are committed to supporting artists in the North of England. Eligibility to apply for hothouse requires you and at least 75% of your band, to be based up North. By The North we mean the counties of; Cheshire, Cumbria, Durham, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, part of Lincolnshire, Merseyside, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, and Yorkshire.
HOW LONG ARE THE PROGRAMMES?
Soundcheck is an eight week scheme, delivered part online and part in person.
mjf hothouse runs for six months, mainly delivered in person.
mjf originals commissions are all different and designed around your idea. Each commission can run for up to one year.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY A ‘BARRIER’ IN MY WORK?
Examples of barriers are as follows:
Although we appreciate the common challenges artists face with having insufficient time or earnings to invest in developing their work, we are looking to support artists who experience identified barriers beyond lack of time and money.
MORE QUESTIONS?
If you have another question that isn’t answered here or need a further chat, don’t worry. We like questions, it helps us to get even better at what we do!
Just drop an email to Helen Goodman, our Talent Development Associate.