Closing Date - 12 PM, Friday 2nd January 2026

Please contact us at artist.development@factoryinternational.org if you require any support in completing your application.

Supported by adidas Originals

Factory Sounds is our annual programme designed to support and raise the profile of the music industry in Greater Manchester.

Making music in Greater Manchester or working in the industry? Apply to be part of our Factory Sounds 2026 cohort today.

Every year we support 15 extraordinary people working in music. Whether you’re a musician, technician, label or creative, Factory Sounds is for you. We're particularly interested in supporting the development of people who are underrepresented in the sector.

Want to find our more? Meet our wonderful Factory Sounds alumni here.

How It Works

We’re offering financial support of up to £1,000 for anyone based in Greater Manchester who’s involved in music, whether as a professional or amateur. This includes musicians and DJs, producers and promoters, even label owners and managers. Simply send us a proposal mapping out why you’d like to receive financial support (details are below) and we’ll consider your pitch.

Do you need help to make or complete a recording? Perhaps you’re a label wanting to promote some new releases or you’re looking for support to present a gig or live event. Perhaps a little financial support will go a long way towards giving you the headspace to make new music. Or maybe you just want to buy some equipment. Factory Sounds can provide the support you need.

Successful applicants will receive peer to peer support through regular meetings with your Factory Sounds cohort and specialist members of the Factory International team, who will help support your artistic development. You’ll receive adidas Originals merchandise, invites to events and mentorship from a wide team of specialists working across the creative industries and music world.

Along with £1000 to support your creative development, you will participate in workshops and other creative opportunities, including styling, studio visits, commission invites and expert driven sessions. This year, Factory Sounds artists will be given the chance to perform at Sounds from the Other City (tbc).

How to Apply

To apply for this programme, please complete the application form below with your name and contact details including an expression of interest – either written or recorded as a short video (up to five minutes) answering the points below with a short pitch. 

• Who you are, including links to your previous work
• What you’d like to do and how you’d plan to do it
• How you would spend or allocate your budget of up to £1,000 (a rough idea is fine; you don’t need to create a detailed budget at this point)
• What support do you think you need as an artist/creative ? (eg, finance, marketing, styling, tech)
• Who would you like to see play a gig at Aviva Studios?

Recruitment Opens  22 October, 12 PM (Wednesday)

Recruitment Closes 2 Jan 2026, 12 PM (Friday)

When applying please do not rely solely on ChatGPT/AI software for your answers as it may not fully reflect your skills and experience and how they align with this opportunity. We may decide to discount your answer if we believe it is solely generated by AI.