Liverpool’s flagship music talent development initiative, LIMF Academy, has launched its 2026-27 programme, offering new opportunities for emerging artists across the Liverpool City Region alongside a special anniversary celebration.
Recognised as one of the UK’s leading artist development programmes, LIMF Academy has spent more than a decade helping music creators build sustainable careers through funding, mentoring, industry connections and live performance opportunities.
Since launching in 2014, the Academy has supported more than 80 core artists and engaged over 4,500 music creators. It has also delivered more than 220 workshops with contributions from over 100 industry specialists.
Among the artists to have benefited from the programme are Jalen N’gonda, Michael Aldag, XamVolo, Ni Maxine, KOJ, Tonia, The Kowloons and DJ Hannah Lynch of Girls Don’t Sync.
Many former participants have gone on to secure record and distribution deals, gain national recognition and develop international audiences.
The Academy continues to play an important role in Liverpool’s music scene, supporting the city’s reputation as a UNESCO City of Music while helping emerging artists overcome barriers to entering the industry.
The 2026-27 LIMF Academy programme will feature three initiatives designed to support musicians at different stages of their careers.
LIMF Academy Rise Programme
The LIMF Academy Rise Programme will offer intensive development support to three music creators from the Liverpool City Region.
Successful applicants will receive grant funding, mentoring from leading creatives, coaching from Basil Reynolds and bespoke industry development days.
The programme will also provide showcase opportunities and tailored guidance to help participants take the next steps in their music careers.
YES WE ARE! Part II
Returning for a second instalment, YES WE ARE! Part II will bring together 12 female songwriters, musicians and producers from across the Liverpool City Region.
Delivered in partnership with the Ivors Academy Trust and supported by PPL Giving, the collaborative project will see participants work together in a Liverpool recording studio.
They will then attend a bespoke industry development day in London before showcasing their work at a live event in Liverpool.
LIMF Academy Orchestrated
The third strand, LIMF Academy Orchestrated, will celebrate the Academy’s 10-year milestone with a special collaborative performance.
Four Academy alumni will join forces with the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company session band and orchestra to perform original material featuring specially commissioned arrangements by composer Katie Chatburn.
The project will celebrate the achievements of the Academy and highlight the musicians who have helped establish its reputation over the past decade.
Together, the three initiatives aim to strengthen Liverpool’s music industry by providing emerging talent with the skills, connections and opportunities needed to develop lasting careers.
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:
“For more than a decade, LIMF Academy has helped bridge the gap between grassroots creativity and the music industry, giving talented artists from the Liverpool City Region access to the networks, opportunities, and expertise they need to build sustainable careers.
“What makes the Academy so special is its commitment to championing diverse and under-represented voices while proving that world-class artist development doesn’t have to be centred in London. It has become a nationally recognised model for nurturing talent and helping artists take the next step in their careers.
“The 2026-27 programme builds on that legacy. By continuing to invest in emerging musicians, songwriters, and producers, we’re ensuring the Liverpool City Region remains at the forefront of music innovation, creativity and opportunity, supporting the next generation of artists to fulfil their potential and showcase their talent on a regional, national and international stage.”
Applications for the LIMF Academy Rise Programme are now open and close at 6pm on Friday 30 October 2026.
For more information and to apply, visit the LIMF Academy website.
