A CALL has gone out for talented Welsh artists and bands to apply for funding to help their creative development.

The Arts Council, Wales and BBC Cymru, Wales are urging emerging musicians to apply for cash from the Launchpad scheme.

Launchpad is part of the Horizons/Gorwelion scheme to develop new and independent contemporary music in Wales.

The fund was launched in 2014 and has invested £170,000 supporting over 170 new and emerging Welsh artists.

The fund supports a diverse mix of musicians to develop creative work, such as studio time and equipment, photography, artwork and video.

Artists who have benefited from the Launchpad fund include Radio 2 folk award nominee Gwilym Bowen Rhys from Bethel Caernarfon, who received help to record a new album at Penhesgyn Studio, Anglesey and for filming.

Antwn Owen-Hicks, Portfolio Manager with Arts Council Wales said: “These grants can make a real difference to new artists, a timely injection of funding to help with costs like recording or promoting new material.

“We’re particularly keen to support more artists from diverse backgrounds and disabled musicians. These artists are underrepresented in the sector in Wales.

DJ & Horizons founder and Project Manager Bethan Elfyn added: “Launchpad is a key part of Horizons’ work. It introduces us to a wealth of artists from bedroom DJs, MCs, producers, to new singer songwriters who might not have ventured out of their local gigging scene.

Applications are now open to Wales-based artists and bands writing, producing and performing original contemporary popular music.

The 2020 entries close at midnight, Sunday, February 9. More details from: bbc.co.uk/horizons.