Applications open for Peter Sinfield Bursary Fund
Songwriters and composers aged 18–30 can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to support new work in progressive rock, classical, folk and related fusion genres.
The Ivors Academy Trust has opened applications for the Peter Sinfield Bursary Fund, a new programme supporting early-career music creators in genres associated with the late lyricist, producer and musician.
The fund offers grants of up to £5,000 for the creation of new original works, with funded activity required to take place between June and November 2026. Eligible applicants must be UK-based songwriters or composers aged 18–30 and at an early stage in their career.
Funding can be used for songwriting and composing costs, recording, creative residencies or songwriting camps, collaborators’ fees and limited costs relating to release, promotion, marketing and performance. The fund has been established as part of Peter Sinfield’s legacy. Sinfield, who died in 2024, was co-founder of King Crimson and is widely associated with the development of progressive rock lyricism. He later wrote songs for artists including Céline Dion, Cher, Cliff Richard, Leo Sayer, Five Star and Bucks Fizz.
Applications close at 9am on Monday 11 May 2026. Full details and application information are available from The Ivors Academy Trust.