Young musicians and emerging music creatives in Omagh and across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to apply for funding of up to £3,000 through the Youth Music NextGen Fund.
The fund is designed to help young people at the early stages of their creative careers develop ideas, build experience and take practical steps towards working in the music industry.
For aspiring artists, producers, DJs, promoters and other creatives in the Omagh area, the funding could provide useful support to turn an idea into a real project.
What can the funding be used for?
Successful applicants can receive up to £3,000 to invest in their own creative development.
Funding can be used for costs including:
- recording and production
- music or technical equipment
- training and professional development
- marketing and promotion
- creative project costs
- other activity that helps applicants progress towards a career in music
The fund supports a wide range of roles within the industry, including singers, rappers, songwriters, producers, DJs, A&Rs, managers, promoters and agents.
Who can apply?
The NextGen Fund is aimed at early-stage creatives aged 18 to 25 who face barriers to progressing within the music industry and may not have access to the finances or professional networks needed to develop their ideas.
The upper age limit is extended to 30 for applicants who identify as d/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent.
Applicants must:
- be based in the UK
- not have previously received a NextGen Fund grant
- not be signed to a record label, publisher or manager
- not work full-time in the area of music they want to develop
- have a UK bank account in the same name as their application
- be able to begin their project within three months of receiving funding
- complete their project within 12 months
Supporting emerging talent in Omagh
Omagh and the wider Tyrone area have a strong tradition of music and live performance, but developing a career within the creative industries can still require significant upfront investment.
Costs such as equipment, studio time, professional training and promotion can quickly become a barrier, particularly for young people who do not already have industry connections.
Funding opportunities such as the NextGen Fund can therefore provide an important opportunity for emerging local talent to develop their skills, test new ideas and begin building a sustainable creative career.
How to apply
Applications are made online through the Youth Music grants portal. Applicants will need to create an account before completing their application.
The deadline for applications to NextGen Fund Round 14 is 5pm on Friday 25 September 2026.
Funding decisions are expected to be announced in January 2027.
Young creatives in Omagh who have an idea they want to develop are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and apply before the deadline.
