A new funding partnership between the Arts Council of Wales (ACW) and the Performing Rights Society (PRS)Foundation aims to increase commissions and works from Welsh musicians. PRS Foundation, described as the UK’s largest independent funder for all genres of new music, and the council have both agreed to contribute £20,000 to the New Works scheme. Both organisations recognised they run similar schemes to fund new music; the Arts Council of Wales offers the Music Commissions Scheme and PRS Foundation runs the New Works Award. The new scheme is the new jointly funded initiative between the two, having as its goal an increase in the number of commissions and new works in the jazz, world music and other under-represented fields. Simon Lovell-Jones, ACW’s Senior Music Officer said the scheme would also aim to heighten recognition of Welsh artists across the UK. ‘With the availability of increased funds and the involvement of assessors nominated by the Trustees of the PRS Foundation, the work of Welsh composers will gain far greater recognition throughout Wales and beyond,’ he commented. ‘We are looking for exciting and innovative projects featuring new music of any genre in Wales.’ David Francis, Manager of PRS Foundation, added: ‘This new initiative augments and formalises the good working relationship between PRSF and ACW, providing fresh opportunities and focus for new music and its creators in Wales.’ The initiative will run as a pilot scheme for the remainder of 2002 and will be closely monitored to ensure it is accessible to a wide cross-section of the Welsh music community.