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specialist areas
This section helps you find organisations that specialise in your creative sector. Use the links below to jump straight to your discipline.
Architecture
Piaforum |
Forum for Product Innovation in Architecture, a linked society of the Royal Institute of British Architects. Membership organisation.
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w: www.piaforum.org
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Applied arts and craft
Cockpit Arts |
| Cockpit Arts supports and promotes the work of artist designer makers and product designers through all stages of their business development, housing 165 creative businesses at its two London premises in Holborn and Deptford. |
w: www.cockpitarts.com
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QEST |
Designed to help craftspeople of all ages further their careers. Awards are made twice yearly and range from £2000 to £15000. Ideal candidates have already demonstrated a talent and firm commitment to their craft or trade skill.
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w: www.qest.org.uk
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Crafts Council |
National organisation for promotion of contemporary craft in the UK. Organising exhibitions and publications and creating opportunities for makers to sell, promote and develop their practices.
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w: www.craftscouncil.org.uk
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Kingsgate Workshops |
Kingsgate Workshops is a converted 19th century warehouse providing studio and workshop space for 65 artists and crafts people.
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w: www.kingsgateworkshops.org.uk
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Annual competition with entries invited for work in glass. £15,000 prize, £2,500 for 2 runners-up.
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w: www.bombaysapphire.com
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Design Trust |
Essential online educational resource for designers, specially aimed at new graduates wanting to start a new business.
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w: www.thedesigntrust.co.uk
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Design Nation |
Promotes the work of some 100 of the most talented designers working in the UK. The site is aimed at the general public. At the same time it focuses on professional users, manufacturers, retailers, architects and specifiers.
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w: www.designnation.co.uk
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Hidden Art |
Dedicated to promoting and supporting designer-makers, and creating direct access for all to new designs.
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w: www.hiddenart.com
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Metropolitan Works |
| Metropolitan Works is London's leading Creatvive Industries Centre, helping designers, artists and maufacturers develop ideas and bring new products to the market place. |
w: www.metropolitanworks.org
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Sculpture
Royal British Society of Sculptors |
The National Register of Sculptors is a listing open to all practising sculptors created to promote their names and inform them about the sculptural world.
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w: www.rbs.org.uk
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Jewellery
Holts |
Learn and improve your jewellery skills for free. Courses cover improving manufacturing techniques; working with platinum; traditional & unusual settings; patterns & castings and diamond mounting.
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w: www.rholt.co.uk
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London Jewellery Exports |
Promotes London's designer jewellers and silversmiths and helps them to sell to discerning buyers all over the world.
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w: www.londonjewelleryexports.com
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Change Act Share |
Website developed as part of the LDA's Jewelery Sector Investment Plan covering all aspects of the jewellery industry, putting designers in contact with manufacturers, helping jewellers find advice and business support.
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w: www.change-act-share.org.uk
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Glass
Contemporary Glass Society |
Encouraging excellence in glass as a creative medium.
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w: www.cgs.org.uk
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Ceramics
British Ceramic Confederation |
Trade association that provides vital support for UK manufacturers of ceramics, including tableware, refractories, bricks, tiles and sanitaryware, and the suppliers of related materials.
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w: www.ceramfed.co.uk
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Visual/live art, and photography
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Artists Newsletter |
Essential arts magazine for opportunites, commissions, exhibitions. Now subscription based.
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w: www.a-n.co.uk
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Artquest |
Artquest's mission is to provide a comprehensive advice and information service to London's visual arts professionals at all stages of their career.
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w: www.artquest.org.uk
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Artsadmin |
Specialist advisory service and bursary scheme for artists in live art, time-based media and interdisciplinary practice. Offers help, information and advice on all areas of professional and creative development.
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w: www.artsadmin.co.uk
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Cell studios |
Studios for visual artists (painters, sculptors, installation, film, performance etc) at Wallis Road, Hackney Wick, E9.
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w: www.cell.org.uk
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New Work Network |
Artist-led support organisation bringing together people working in live art, contemporary performance and interdisciplinary practice.
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w: www.newworknetwork.org.uk
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Art Monthly |
| The UK's leading magazine of contemporary visual art, features interviews, profiles on rising stars, up-to-the-minute coverage of trends from independent critics. |
w: www.artmonthly.co.uk
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Space Studios |
Major workspace provider managing studio complexes across East and South London. Provides fully equipped digital arts suite, project space, facilities and support for arts professionals and organisations.
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w: www.spacestudios.org.uk
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Live Art Development Agency |
Portfolio of services and initiatives to support live art practice in London and beyond.
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w: www.thisisliveart.co.uk
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London Print Studio |
Provides access to resources, education and training for amateur and professional artists, public, private and voluntary organizations and the general public.
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w: www.londonprintstudio.org.uk
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Association of Photographers |
Campaigns on behalf of photographers and promotes photography via awards, events and publications. Provides information services, education programmes, and international networking opportunities.
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w: www.the-aop.org
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Editorial Photographers UK |
Membership organisation set up to address business issues as they affect photographers working in the UK and Irish markets.
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w: www.epuk.org.uk
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Photofusion |
Photography studios, workshops, training, exhibition space, hire of darkrooms and equipment.
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w: www.photofusion.org
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Rhubarb Rhubarb |
A training agency dedicated to developing new talent. Organise the Rhubarb-Rhubarb Festival of the Image. This is achieved through exhibitions, debate, managing light business mentoring schemes, publication, sales and representation, advocacy of good practice and strategic partnerships.
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w: www.rhubarb-rhubarb.net
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Autograph |
| A key photographic production bureau and information resource for photographic historians, curators, galleries, festivals and international photgraphic media. |
w: www.autograph-abp.co.uk
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Film and media
BECTU |
BECTU is the independent union for those working in broadcasting, film, theatre, entertainment, leisure, interactive media and allied areas who are primarily based in the United Kingdom.
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w: www.bectu.org.uk
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BFI (British Film Institute) |
Run London Film Festival, National Film Theatre, bfi IMAX cinema, film archive. Also owns one of the largest collections of film stills and film posters in the world.
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w: www.bfi.org.uk
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Documentary Filmmakers Group |
Events and training for documentary filmmakers.
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w: www.dfgdocs.com
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New Producers Alliance (NPA) |
Membership-based organisation made up of new producers. Put people in touch with potential executive or co-producers as well as finance contacts.
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w: www.npa.org.uk
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Raindance |
Dedicated to fostering and promoting independent film in the UK and around the world. Raindance combines Raindance Film Festival, Training Courses, Raindance Kids Film Festival and Raindance Film Productions. Also hosts the prestigious British Independent Film Awards in London.
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w: www.raindancefilmfestival.org
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Film London |
Extensive website with links to projects, exhibitions, training etc. Covers film, video, screenwriting etc. This replaces the old London Film and Video Deveopment Agency (LFVDA).
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w: www.filmlondon.org.uk
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London Artist's Moving Image Network |
The Film London Artists' Moving Image Network (FLAMIN) supports London-based artists working in moving image in all its forms.
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w: flamin.filmlondon.org.uk
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UK Films Council |
Manages and allocates public funds set aside by the government for the film industry. Production & distribution funding, training.
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w: www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk
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PACT |
Represents and promotes the commercial interests of independent feature film, television, animation and interactive media companies. Serves as a lobbying organisation, and provides training, events, business advice and subsidised legal services.
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w: www.pact.co.uk
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Fashion and textiles
British Fashion Council |
Organises Fashion Week and the British Fashion Awards. Also helps British designers develop their businesses and has published Designer Factfile, a guide to setting up a designer fashion business, and the Designer Manufacturing Handbook.
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w: www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/bfc
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Sew East |
Support and counselling for designers and manufacturers under the Sew East banner. Education and collaboration for designers and manufacturers.
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w: www.emep.co.uk/sew_east.html
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Fashion Capital |
Gives all users instant access to a wide cross section of companies in the fashion and textiles sector. It provides a free service for you and your students to include your own business on the site and give you information on industry news, events and education.
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w: www.fashioncapital.co.uk
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Fashion Monitor |
News, contacts & events info service for the fashion, beauty and lifestyle industries. Published monthly and available online.
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w: www.fashionmonitor.co.uk
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Ethical Fashion Forum (EFF) |
| The Ethical Fashion Forum (EFF) is a network of designers, businesses and organisations focusing upon social and environmental sustainability in the fashion industry. |
w: www.ethicalfashionforum.com
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London Printworks Trust |
London Printworks Trust is the UK's leading textile print resource. A registered charity based in Brixton, we offer a diverse programme of activities which combines textile print facilities, exhibitions, educational activities and professional development.
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w: www.londonprintworks.com
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London Apparel Resource Centre |
Studios for fashion designers in north London that can provide A-Z support for designers just starting out or established businesses, manufacturers and CMTs. Generous grants are available to attract new businesses to the area.
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w: www.londonapparel.com
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Design
Design Council |
Demonstrates and promotes awareness of the benefits of design to business, Government, culture and society. Does this via campaigns, R&D, training and events. Site has lots of information, events and case studies.
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w: www.designcouncil.org
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British Design Innovation |
An accurate database of UK design agencies; design media, design awards and professional design bodies internationally
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w: www.britishdesign.co.uk
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Chartered Society of Designers |
Registered charity governed by Royal Charter which represents designers in all disciplines and offers a range of professional services, discounts on training, free initial business advice, networking opportunities and other services for professional practice.
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w: www.csd.org.uk
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Design Business Association |
Runs training, seminars, and awards for design companies
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w: www.dba.org.uk
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British Design and Art Direction |
Educational charity working on behalf of design and advertising industries. Awards, competitions, educational programmes.
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w: www.dandad.org
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Interior Design
International Interior Design Association |
A professional networking and educational association of more than 11000 members.
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w: www.iida.org
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British Interior Design Association |
Membership organisation, that exists to promote and support the interior design and decoration professions.
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w: www.bida.org
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Performing Arts
Equity |
Trade union representing performers and creative artists across the entire spectrum of entertainment and the arts.
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w: www.equity.org.uk
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London Dance |
| Dance events and directory listings. Professional development bursaries for London based dance artists. Bursaries are available for independent dance artists working in any context or dance style, to attend courses, conferences, seminars, meetings or to research creative, performance or work opportunities, or to develop their skills. Bursaries can be used for opportunities nationally and internationally. |
w: www.londondance.com
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Foundation for Community Dance |
| The national development agency for community dance in the UK. It works for the development of community dance, and for greater access to high quality community dance for all. |
w: www.communitydance.org.uk
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The Place |
Home to the Robin Howard Dance Theatre, London Contemporary Dance School and Richard Alston Dance Company, The Place also provides advice and information services and research and development opportunities for dance professionals.
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w: www.theplace.org.uk
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Stellar Network |
Stellar Network is a membership-based organisation connecting the UK's film, theatre and television professionals.
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w: www.stellarnetwork.com
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Art Info |
An international information resource for Performing Arts professionals.
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w: www.arts-info.co.uk
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Independent Theatre Council |
ITC offers advice on running a company or venue and employing people. Advice includes: management; financial & legal advice; industrial relations & contracts; incorporation & charity service; training & development; networking; lobbying & information exchange.
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w: www.itc-arts.org
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Fringe Theatre |
| The home of over 30 fringe venues throughout London. Services, support and a network of contacts for venues, producing companies and individuals working on the Fringe and thereby to increase the viability and professionalism of Fringe Theatre. |
w: www.fringetheatre.org.uk
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Music
Take it Away |
The scheme allows individuals to apply for a loan of up to £2,000 for the purchase of any kind of musical instrument, and pay it back in nine monthly instalments, completely interest free.
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w: www.artscouncil.org.uk/takeitaway
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AIM (Association of Independent Music) |
Non-profit membership organisation that represents the specific interests of independent record companies and distributors in the UK.
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w: www.musicindie.org
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British Academy |
| Represents the interests of composers and songwriters across all genres, providing advice on professional and artistic matters. It administers a number of awards and events including the prestigious Ivor Novello Awards. |
w: www.britishacademy.com
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British Music Rights |
Promotes greater awareness of the interests and concerns of some 40,000 British songwriters, composers and music publishers to UK and EU policymakers and the wider public. Communicate the rights and rewards for creativity in the music business; the value of those rights to UK plc; the impact of new technologies upon music creators and publishers and the resulting policy and legislative implications.
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w: www.bmr.org.uk
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Musicians Benevolent Fund |
The MBF provides help and support to musicians and their dependants and those in related occupations who are in need as a result of illness, accident or other misfortune.
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w: www.mbf.org.uk
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Musicians Union |
Members receive a comprehensive, tailor-made service that includes business and legal advice, pension schemes, insurance and free public liability cover.
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w: www.musiciansunion.org.uk
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BPI's Music Education Directory |
Contains maps outlining the main areas of the UK music
business and its associated organisations; record companies, publishing companies, artist management and live performance. Hard copies are also available, visit the education section for more information. Now updated to include course information for 2004/5, and has now been relaunched online.
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w: www.bpi-med.co.uk
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PPL (Phonographic Performance Ltd) |
| Collects and distributes revenues from radio stations, pubs, clubs and thousands of users of sound recordings on behalf of member companies as well as some 23,000 performers. |
w: www.ppluk.com
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SPNM (Society for the Promotion of New Music) |
Promotes new music both in performance and composition of contemporary music. Provides various music prizes.
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w: www.spnm.org.uk
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SESAC |
Society of European Songwriters & Composers: European performing right collection society.
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w: www.sesac.com
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CM (Community Music) |
Mixed programme of courses, outreach projects, education programmes, partnerships with higher education, internet radio shows, music promotions around London, artist development and music production schemes and consultancies for other projects.
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w: www.cmonline.org.uk
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The Unsigned Guide |
The only UK music industry directory researched specifically with unsigned bands in mind. Will work to help you navigate the music industry maze that is the capital - whether you need a rehearsal room or a guitar string.
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w: www.theunsignedguide.com
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MCPS |
Mechanical Copyright Protection Society: collecting royalties on behalf of writers and publishers wherever their works are recorded.
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w: www.mcps-prs-alliance.co.uk
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New Media
Digital Incubator for London |
Provides: discounted accommodation, discounted technology, technical support, business support and mentoring, bookkeeping assistance, web, ecommerce and business training, help with marketing, access to business, legal and financial services, access to presentation rooms and studios, access to sources of private investment.
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w: www.londondigitalincubator.com
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BIMA |
The trade association representing the diverse interests of the UK interactive industry
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w: www.bima.co.uk
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Digital Content Forum |
| Policy group informing the Governments' digital media strategy. Includes representation from the music, film, TV, web-design, internet publishing, computer games and advertising industries. |
w: www.dcf.org.uk
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New Media Knowledge |
| NMK is a knowledge-sharing hub for businesses and individuals working in digital media. |
w: www.nmk.co.uk
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Fine Art
EAST |
| Eastonline is an important information source for artists of East Asian descent who are based in London. The website contains an extensive database of artists and organisations, alongside an amazing resources section which offers invaluable information and support to artists. |
w: www.eastonline.org
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