This announcement comes as national efforts to support the UK music industry ramp up. Liverpool and Birmingham have both secured government funding to boost music-focused technology, while Spotify recently launched a grassroots funding initiative to help save fifteen small music spaces across the UK after partnering with Youth Music. With growing concerns about AI-generated music threatening artists’ livelihoods, Factory Sounds underscores the importance of investing in human creativity.  

STEAM Radio, part of the 2024 cohort earlier this year, exemplifies the programme’s impact. Based in Hulme, the community station launched during the COVID-19 lockdown and now hosts 80 presenters spanning diverse genres. STEAM provides a platform for emerging talent to established presenters, and everything in between, showcasing music from local artists to contributions from as far afield as Jakarta and Rio de Janeiro.

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Factory Sounds’ flexibility embraces both cutting-edge and traditional art forms. A 2022 recipient, Obeka, used the grant to create a soundscape album inspired by South American, African, and Caribbean influences. 2025’s programme will continue to champion diverse voices, supporting underrepresented artists, including those from the global majority, trans and non-binary creators, and those who identify as disabled or neurodivergent. 

Factory Sounds plays a key role in building upon Manchester’s storied artistic heritage. Named after the iconic Factory Records, the initiative also benefits from design input by Peter Saville, known for his iconic album covers, including Unknown Pleasures. Factory International’s mission is to fuel artistic ambition, offering space for innovation, collaboration, and experimentation in its home at Aviva Studios.

The Adidas Originals Creator Network North, another initiative under the Factory International umbrella, complements Factory Sounds by supporting young creatives across Manchester who are involved in visual arts. Participants receive mentorship from industry professionals, access to state-of-the-art equipment, and £600 bursaries. The six-month programme culminates in a collaborative showcase at Aviva Studios, offering participants real-world experience and a chance to build valuable industry connections.   

Aviva Studios itself is a landmark for the city’s cultural ambitions, supported by £7 million from Arts Council England and a £35 million sponsorship from Aviva Insurance. Over the next decade, it is expected to contribute over £1 billion to Manchester’s economy. It will host an exhibition of David Hockney’s work throughout December.

@factoryinternational Meet David Hockney – one of the most influential British artists of our time bringing his exhibition Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) to Aviva Studios Learn more abiut the legendary artist on Factory+ by clicking the link in our bio. #Art #ArtTok #EduTok #DavidHockney #LGBTQ #ImmersiveArt #ImmersiveExperience ♬ original sound – Factory International

Sam Malik, a 2022 grant recipient, summed up the programme’s value: “Receiving this support not only enabled my project but validated the need to support underrepresented musicians in Greater Manchester.” With this year’s expanded offering, Factory Sounds continues to reflect Manchester’s diverse population while paving the way for its artistic future.

The 2025 grants, open for applications until 20 January, invite written or video submissions. Applicants must outline their project plans, budget allocation, and previous work. Grants are available to a wide range of music professionals, from musicians and DJs to promoters and label owners. You can apply here.

Peter Saville’s legendary 1979 cover has been reinterpreted by Music Declares Emergencyhttps://t.co/4royEUrfry

— Rolling Stone UK (@rollingstoneuk) October 15, 2021

Saville originally based the original design of the famous piece of the album artwork on a stacked plot of radio emissions given out by a pulsar, however, in the new design, the emissions have been altered to look flatter, and are accompanied by a poignant, chilling message; “No Music on a Dead Planet”. The mural was created specifically for the campaign group Music Declares Emergency, who, according to the BBC, said that it symbolises; “the eternal silence of a dead planet.”

As previously alluded to, Peter Saville is the original designer of the Unknown Pleasures album artwork and has been involved in the music scene as an artist since 1979. Saville founded Factory Records alongside journalist and radio broadcaster Tony Wilson, actor Alan Erasmus, producer Martin Hannett, and Rob Gretton, the manager of Joy Division and New Order. Saville’s other artistic credits include Joy Division’s second and final album Closer, New Order’s Power, Corruption and Lies, Roxy Music’s Flesh and Blood and My Life In The Bush of Ghosts, a collaborative album between Brian Eno of Roxy Music and David Byrne of The Talking Heads.

Again, according to the BBC, Music Declares Emergency has stated that the mural in Withington is a part of a larger-scale campaign that calls for “urgent action on climate change”. The official title of the campaign is echoed by the mural, “NO MUSIC ON A DEAD PLANET”.

Music Declares Emergency was first launched in July 2019, and they describe themselves as an “independent group with no political party or commercial affiliations”. The group also state on their website that they represent “all areas of the music industry irrespective of genre, role, gender, race or sexuality and is led by individuals united by a deep concern for the climate and ecological emergency we currently face”. MDE has also formed Classical Declares, which is an expansion of the group into the world of classical, opera and choral music, along with a Music Declares Emergency Radio Show, hosted by co-founder Fay Milton and folk singer Sam Lee.

You can find out more about Music Declares Emergency and their current NO MUSIC ON A DEAD PLANET campaign on their website, as well as information on how you can donate to help them out.