Are you an ambitious musician from the province of Utrecht ready for your next step in your career? UP:Next is the grant from the Utrecht Cultural Fund that helps you as a musician move forward. We are looking for artists with their own sound, who dare to innovate, step outside the beaten path, and want to build further. Participants can submit their plans until 14 February 2026.
UP:Next
For the fifth consecutive time, UP:Next offers you a unique opportunity: a grant of €10,000 to work on an innovative musical project for a year. You decide how to use the amount – from studio to collaboration – culminating in a showcase at Vechtclub XL, organized by the Utrecht Cultural Fund, where you present your results live. Last years winner was Nochelange external link.
In 2020, the board of the Utrecht Cultural Fund established UP:Next to stimulate young musicians from the province of Utrecht. Kings Commissioner Hans Oosters is chairman of the board. “UP:Next is more than a pop prize. I am proud of the artists from our province and the important contribution they make locally, provincially, and (inter)nationally. With initiatives like UP:Next, we ensure that the music scene in the province of Utrecht continues to grow,” said Oosters.
Winner
In April, the jury selects five creators who may present their plans. On 6 May 2026, the winner will be announced. Then the artist develops the creative idea between May 2026 and May 2027. During a showcase, the winner will show and hear the final result. This will take place in June 2027.
Utrecht Cultural Fund
The Cultural Fund has a department in each province that supports local and regional projects. In the province of Utrecht, foundations and associations can apply for financial contributions for projects in visual arts, monument care, history and literature, music, theater, dance, film, nature, and neighborhood culture.
For press information:
patricia.schalkwijk@provincie-utrecht.nl
06 51 99 45 32
