This week, Horizons, the flagship music programme for showcasing new music from Wales, announced a new round of Launchpad Funding. A shared award fund of £60,000 will be available to artists and independent record labels from Wales. 

Over 331 artists have been awarded directly close to £500,000 from the National Lottery funded awards, since its inception in 2014. 

The Launchpad fund is a resource which helps talented artists or bands in Wales to further their music careers by providing them with vital access to finance, and supports the eco-system of music making in Wales as the funding goes towards recording time, touring, marketing, artwork or other projects which help an artist to take the next step with their music. 

We’re pleased to be providing funding to the Horizons Launchpad as it moves into its second decade. We have so much musical talent in Wales, and this is an initiative which clearly gives so many an extra boost, both in terms of showcasing the creative talent we have in Wales and offering practical support. We want to make sure Welsh artists are getting a platform and being seen by the right people. Get your applications in!

Catryn Ramasut, Director of Arts at the Arts Council of Wales

Launchpad funding has supported many artists including: Adwaith, Aleighcia Scott, Minas, Melin Melyn, CHROMA, Mellt, Greta Isaac, Eadyth, L E M F R E C K, Afro Cluster, Gwilym, HIMALAYAS, Mace the Great, Local and many more.

Launchpad, as implied by the name, is for those starting out on their musical journey, at a crucial point in their development. It is to help support activities that will help music makers fulfil their potential. We’re looking for artists/bands that can demonstrate interest from audiences and those that work in the music industry (such as labels or critics) but need support to enable them to carry out an activity that will enable them to increase their reach.

APPLICATIONS OPEN MONDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER 2025

APPLICATIONS CLOSE MONDAY 27TH OCTOBER 2025

Earlier this year, Launchpad Funding was awarded to 34 recipients from all over Wales – including Bau Cat, Ben Ellis, Bruna Garcia, Buddug, Cyn Cwsg, Jessika Kay, Klust (Record Label) Llinos Emanuel, Nancy Williams and Talulah. 

More information is available on @horizonscymru on social media, and you can find the application form and the terms and conditions on www.bbc.co.uk/horizons