WOMEX World Music Expo will take place in in Lisbon, Portugal, from 19rd to 23rd October 2022. This will be the eighth occasion of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s attendance at WOMEX which has fast become the most important international professional market for world music of every kind including folk, roots, ethnic and traditional music.

The five-day event attracts over 2,500 delegates from over 90 countries, including hundreds of concert and festival bookers, labels, publishers, distributors, managers and the world’s media.

This year, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland will host a combined stand located within the Horizons section of WOMEX. Horizons is an initiative to collectively promote the music of nations of the UK & Ireland at WOMEX. The Horizons partners are Arts Council England, British Underground, Arts Council of Ireland, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Culture Ireland, Creative Scotland, Scottish Music Industry Association, Arts Council of Wales, Cerdd Cymru: Music Wales, Wales Arts International, UK Trade & Investment.

Selected delegates will participate in the national stand to promote their work to international arts industry presenters and promoters.

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland will offer a maximum of four bursary awards for WOMEX 2022. The award – £650 per delegate – is towards the costs of return flights, registration and a contribution towards accommodation and subsistence.

Who can apply?
The delegate bursaries are available to musicians, managers and agents working in Northern Ireland and are aimed at those artists and promoters who have a track record of touring internationally, have excellent promotional material available (CDs, website etc) and who would benefit from attending the event to promote their work at this particular music industry marketplace. Only one delegate bursary will be awarded per group.

Guidance Notes
Download Guidance Notes here

How to apply?
You must apply using our online system. We will not accept applications in hard copy or by email.

Make sure you address each question otherwise your application may be deemed ineligible. Applications will be assessed against two criteria: Contribution to the Sector; and Potential for Skills/Career Development of the Proposal.

If you have any queries contact Music and Traditional Arts Development Officer Jo Wright.

Online Applications
You must apply using our online system. We will not accept applications in hard copy or by email.

Apply Online Now