The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is now welcoming applications from artists in the North for bursaries to attend the WOMEX - World Music Expo 2022. The World Music Expo 2022 will take place in Lisbon, Portugal from October 19 - 23.

Three bursaries are available of up to £650 each. Applications are open online now and will close at 12 noon on Thursday, July 28.

WOMEX World Music Expo is one of the most prestigious international professional markets for music of every genre, including the likes of folk, roots, ethnic and traditional music. The four-day event garners the attendance of over 2,000 people from over 90 countries, including hundreds of concert and festival bookers, labels, publishers, distributors, managers and the world's media.

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has a maximum of three bursaries to offer in order for artists to be used towards the price of return flights, registration and a contribution towards accommodation. Those eligible to apply for bursaries includes musicians, managers and agents working in Northern Ireland.

According to a press release from the Arts Council bursaries are particularly aimed at "those artists and promoters who have a track record of touring internationally, have excellent promotional material available (CD’s, website etc) and who would benefit from attending the event to promote their work at this important music industry marketplace."

This year marks the eighth time the Arts Council have offered support for WOMEX attendance.

Ciaran Scullion, Head of Music and Opera, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented: "The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to make three bursaries available to artists from Northern Ireland to attend WOMEX World Music Expo in Lisbon this October.

"Attendance offers artists the vital opportunity to network and showcase their work to music industry professionals and promoters from across the world, often leading to touring opportunities for artists. I would encourage those interested to apply soon."

The Northern Irish Arts Council will host a stand within the Horizons section of WOMEX: "Horizons is an initiative which aims to collectively promote the music of nations of the UK & Ireland at WOMEX.

"The Horizons partners include, Arts Council England, British Underground, Arts Council of Ireland, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Culture Ireland, Creative Scotland, Scottish Music Industry Association, Arts Council of Wales, Cerdd Cymru: Music Wales and Wales Arts International, UK Trade & Investment. Selected delegates will participate in the national stand to promote their work to international arts industry presenters and promoters."

For more information about the application process or to make an application - click here.