The Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) has increased second-round funding for the UK Artist Touring (UKAT) fund by 140%, following an additional £300,000 raised through voluntary ticket contributions at large-scale live events.
The UKAT fund offers artists top-up financial support to cover shortfalls in touring budgets. It was launched in March 2026 with the Music Managers Forum and the Musicians’ Union.
First-round distribution
The first distribution took place in April 2026, when 26 artists across the UK received targeted investment from £125,000 collected by the LIVE Trust. The FAC estimates that this funding enabled 211 shows to take place across the UK that might otherwise have been canceled.
Second-round increase
The additional £300,000 was collected from voluntary ticket contributions at shows by:
- Harry Styles
- Take That
- Wolf Alice
- Lorde
- Kasabian
- Radiohead
- Jessie Ware
- Basement Jaxx
- Duran Duran
Artists can now apply for up to a maximum of £8,000, or up to 40% of total eligible tour expenditure, whichever is lower. Applications open on Wednesday 26 August at 10am and close on Friday 11 September.
Jon Collins, CEO of LIVE Trust, said:
“LIVE Trust is already demonstrating that money raised by the industry can be distributed quickly and effectively in support of programs across grassroots music. It is fantastic to see the UK Artist Touring fund build on the success of its first distribution phase, with increased funding and expanded eligibility to reach more artists and respond directly to the challenges facing grassroots touring. Like our other partner programs, working with UKAT shows the value of placing money with industry experts who understand the nuances of their sector.”
