Next Steps Artist Development Programme
Next Steps is our artist development programme and creative community for emerging artists aged 18–25 across the North East.
It supports young emerging artists in developing their music, building their practice, and taking real steps into the music industry and creative careers on their own terms and over time.
There’s no single route through Next Steps, some artists join through open workshops, others apply directly to the cohort, but all become part of a wider community growing their work together.
How it works
Next Steps connects with our wider work with young people across the city.
Many artists first engage through open workshops or YMP, then move into the Next Steps cohort. Some join the cohort, then the Next Steps Community. As with all WMC’s work, the aim is to support long-term growth rather than one-off opportunities.
Open Access Workshops
Our open workshops and events are a starting point for anyone looking to take their music further.
These are practical, industry-focused sessions covering things like:
preparing for a release
accessing funding
social media and building an audience
sync and music in media
They’re open to all and are often the first step into wider opportunities.
Open to all. No application required.
Next Steps Cohort
Each year, we support 7 emerging artists through an development programme, worth £1000 per artist. Each artist receives:
a bursary to support their development
bespoke mentoring tailored to their goals
cohort workshops and shared sessions
Artists apply to take part, and are supported to develop their music, define their direction and take meaningful next steps.
Applications for the 26/27 Next Steps Cohort are now closed.
Application only. 7 artists per year.
Next Steps Community
The cohort is just the starting point. Artists then become part of the Next Steps community, an ongoing network of support and opportunity.
This includes:
continued access to mentoring
opportunities for gigs, commissions and collaborations
a space to share work, ideas and support
Artists remain part of the community as they continue to develop their practice and develop industry skills and networks.
Ongoing. No fixed endpoint.
Why apply for Next Steps?
Newcastle-based musician, Eddie Doyle, was part of Next Steps Cohort 2. She describes her experience of Next Steps:
"The Eddie Doyle who applied for Next Steps last year—unreleased, barely gigging and only just beginning to find her place in the music industry—wouldn't recognise the artist I am today.
With support from Next Steps, I released my debut EP, received airplay on BBC Radio 6 and other national stations, was approached by international publishing companies, and sold out a local headline show. A year ago, I didn't even know those opportunities existed.
The programme connected me with the right people at the right time, helping me create music I'm incredibly proud of and turn a long-held ambition into reality. More than anything, it gave me confidence in myself and my work. I'd recommend it to any young musician looking to take their next step."
