Launchpad Application Reviewing

Launchpad supports the music sector in Yorkshire, providing and signposting to advice, funding and opportunities - for artists, music businesses and music industry professionals. 

Since 2019, Launchpad has given bespoke support to nearly 150 artists and projects from across Yorkshire. We've also supported countless other musicians and music professionals through our drop-ins with well over 1000 hours of one-to-one support, as well as hosting or co hosting panels, workshops, conferences and webinars.

Fair Access

Our aim is to use selection panels that are as inclusive and as representative as possible. This ensures the broadest possible a range of voices, backgrounds and experiences are involved in the decision-making process. Rotating our external reviewers and panel chairs ensures a renewed variety of background, taste and experience of the decision-makers.

Our intention is to have a large pool of reviewers from which we'll contact a selection for each round of applications, based on application numbers and who has reviewed applications for us in the previous round.

 These aims and intentions are part of our commitment as a Fair Access Principles Partner. You can read more here.

Applications

Twice a year, in March and September, we invite applications for our bespoke support for emerging artists, musicians, producers, bands, composers and music professionals in the Yorkshire region through access to individual industry advisors, live opportunities and funding for recordings, project delivery and personal development.

As a member of our reviewer pool you won't be selected every round, but if you are needed you will be contacted to ask whether you're happy to receive an allocation of applications to review. The specific number will be dependent on the number of applications we receive and the numbers of reviewers involved, but we try to keep it manageable. In the past this has averaged out at about 10 applications for each reviewer per round, so not many. Each application is also relatively light touch; we look to assess the applicant’s aspiration and plan, impact and potential. Each will be scored by two independent external reviewers and one member of the Launchpad team. We advise that each application takes about 10 minutes to review.

We'll send you a guidance document which will explain clearly how to go about your reviewing as part of your reviewer pack.

We can offer a nominal £2 per application reviewed.

Everyone who has helped out so far has fed back that they've loved hearing and reading about the artists and projects who have submitted applications. The standard has been so good it really has been a struggle to choose who to offer support to.