MusicTank

Visiting Arts

Visiting Arts is the national agency for promoting the flow of international arts into the UK and developing related cultural links worldwide. Activities include advice, information, training for artists, arts managers and cultural officers, consultancy, publications. Visiting Arts also offers financial support for UK-based promoters of quality foreign work, including the Creative Collaborations in Music Awards. The website offers good resources for the promotion of international arts, including info on UK festivals and a very useful Red-Tape section for foreign artists visiting the UK (inc. working permits, visas, medical covers, etc). Visit the Notice Board section to keep in touch with funding and event announcements and other opportunities.

Email: information@visitingarts.org.uk

Telephone: 020 7291 1600

The Scottish Arts Council

The Scottish Arts Council promotes arts and music development in Scotland through the provision of information services to the arts community, research projects and project and Lottery grants to individuals, artists and organisations. The website holds details of the funding schemes available and has an extensive links library of related resources and training organisations in Scotland.

Email: help.desk@scottisharts.org.uk

Telephone: 0845 603 6000

The Arts Council of Wales

ACW acts for the development if the arts in Wales through the funding of arts projects and organisations and information services. Check the website for details of the schemes available and links to arts and music resources and training organisations in Wales.

Telephone: 029 20 376500

The Arts Council of England

The Arts Council of England promotes the Arts in the UK through research and funding. It distributes public money from the Government and the Lottery to artists and arts organisations across all arts forms, either through the National Office or its 9 Regional Offices. Details of the various schemes offered can be found online. The website also features general information on the arts in the UK, has a variety of reports and publications that you can order, and offers good links to support and training resources across all art forms.

Email: enquiries@artscouncil.org.uk

Telephone: 020 7973 6517

Equity

Equity is the trade union for the arts and entertainment industry. Membership benefits include free legal, career and welfare advice. Check the website for general information on standard agreements & rates per sector, and related news and reports.

Telephone: 020 7379 6000

Society for Producers and Composers of Applied Music

PCAM is a membership association representing the composers of music for advertising, TV programmes and other audio-visual media. It provides general administrative advice and can make recommendations about charges, license fees and contracts, some of which are published on its website along with a directory of composers and sound designers. PCAM also runs an educational outreach programme aimed particularly at university and college students in media music courses, and can deliver seminars on basic music administration.

Email: bfromer@netcomuk.co.uk

Telephone: 01886 884204

Regional Euro Forums

Find your Regional Euro Forum for local business advice about the new currency.

Inland Revenue

Comprehensive online service featuring news and information on tax and National Insurance matters in the UK for individuals, self-employed, businesses (including e-commerce, VAT, etc), complete with specific helplines, booklets, assessment tools, etc.

Association of Music Industry Accountants

(We are advised that this organisation now longer exists - Dec 2004)

Music Business Solutions

A very good information and knowledge website by American music industry consultant/educator Peter Spellman. It offers professional, small business orientated advice through articles and fact sheets (including business plan templates) plus a resource directory and a list of publications that you can order.