Launchpad Fund 2026 (BBC Horizons / Arts Council of Wales)
Offered by BBC Wales (Horizons/Gorwelion) / Arts Council of Wales
Who can apply
Solo artists must live in Wales and have had a valid Welsh address for at least 6 months before applying. Bands need a significant number of members living in Wales on the same basis, and labels must be Wales-based with the benefitting artists meeting the same test. Students at a transient address but with a permanent Welsh home address are eligible with proof of student status. NOT eligible: artists who won Launchpad in the last two rounds (2024/25 and 2025/26), though earlier awardees may reapply; anyone who has been awarded PRS Foundation funding; artists or bands signed to a major label (Sony, Warner, Universal or their subsidiaries) before the application date; and anyone employed by Arts Council of Wales or BBC Cymru Wales in the 12 months before the deadline. Self-released artists and those on small independent labels can apply if their label places no restrictions that would stop them meeting the terms. Successful applicants must sign an agreement and take part in publicity with the BBC, and applicants grant the BBC broad free use of submitted material.
About this opportunity
The Launchpad Fund gives emerging Welsh acts money to take a concrete next step — the guidance names things like studio recording time, touring costs, marketing and artwork as the kind of spend it's meant for, rather than general career support. Grants run up to £2,000 each, drawn from a shared pool, and in past rounds the scheme has looked for artists who already have some traction — interest from an audience, or recognition from people in the industry such as labels or critics — but still need help reaching further.
To qualify, solo artists need a genuine Welsh address held for at least six months (a temporary student address is fine if their permanent home is in Wales); bands need most members based in Wales on the same basis, and labels must be Wales-based with the artists they apply for meeting the same test.
Several groups are ruled out: anyone who won Launchpad in either of the last two rounds, anyone who's received PRS Foundation funding, artists signed to a major label or its subsidiaries before applying, and anyone who's worked for Arts Council of Wales or BBC Cymru Wales in the past year. Self-releasing artists and those on small independents are fine as long as their label doesn't stop them meeting the terms. The 2026 round runs from October 9 to November 6, 2026; winners must sign an agreement, take part in BBC publicity, and grant the BBC broad rights to use what they submit.
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Frequently asked questions
- When is the deadline for Launchpad Fund 2026 (BBC Horizons / Arts Council of Wales)?
- The current deadline is November 6, 2026.
- Who offers Launchpad Fund 2026 (BBC Horizons / Arts Council of Wales)?
- BBC Wales (Horizons/Gorwelion) / Arts Council of Wales runs it, from Wales, United Kingdom.
- What funding or support does Launchpad Fund 2026 (BBC Horizons / Arts Council of Wales) offer?
- Awards of up to GBP 2,000 each.
- Who can apply for Launchpad Fund 2026 (BBC Horizons / Arts Council of Wales)?
- Solo artists must live in Wales and have had a valid Welsh address for at least 6 months before applying. Bands need a significant number of members living in Wales on the same basis, and labels must be Wales-based with the benefitting artists meeting the same test. Students at a transient address but with a permanent Welsh home address are eligible with proof of student status. NOT eligible: artists who won Launchpad in the last two rounds (2024/25 and 2025/26), though earlier awardees may reapply; anyone who has been awarded PRS Foundation funding; artists or bands signed to a major label (Sony, Warner, Universal or their subsidiaries) before the application date; and anyone employed by Arts Council of Wales or BBC Cymru Wales in the 12 months before the deadline. Self-released artists and those on small independent labels can apply if their label places no restrictions that would stop them meeting the terms. Successful applicants must sign an agreement and take part in publicity with the BBC, and applicants grant the BBC broad free use of submitted material.
- How do I apply for Launchpad Fund 2026 (BBC Horizons / Arts Council of Wales)?
- You apply on the funder's own site. The link is on this page: with a free GrantGigs account for deadlines in the next 30 days, or with Pro for later ones. If applications are new to you, our guide on how to apply for music grants walks through the whole process. Read the guide →
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Launchpad Fund 2026 (BBC Horizons / Arts Council of Wales)