PERFORMANCE FEES

Commission Agreement or Employment Contract and Tax-Free Travel Expense Reimbursements

Artistic work must be compensated either as a salary or procured as a purchased service. Applicants must take into account any potential employer obligations related to salaries/fees/compensation for work (such as tax withholding, employer's social contributions, and income register notifications).

THE APPLICANT FOR LIVE MUSIC SUPPORT IS RESPONSIBLE. for paying the performing artist's fee (via an invoice for purchased services or payroll). Estimated or calculated fees and calculated tax-free travel reimbursements must not be included in grant applications or grant usage reports.

Musicians' work may be agreed upon through either employment contracts or commission agreements:

• Commission agreement establishes a contract between businesses or between a business and self-employed person, where the performer works as an intependent professional or entrepreneur. The performer submits and invoice to the client after the performance. Check the definition of "compensation for work" for clarity.
• Employment contract establishes an employment relationship, where the performer works as an employee and receives a salary according to the agreement.
• Kilometer allowances and daily allowances are tax-free travel reimbursements. Only an employer can pay travel expenses incurred from work trips tax-free to an employee (per Section 71(1) of the Finnish Income Tax Act).
• If a private individual receives a grant to cover artistic expenses, those expenses can no longer be deducted in their personal taxation. See deductible expenses incurred from practicing art (Section 31(1)(4) of the Finnish Income Tax Act).

GENERAL

Information and assistance regarding agreements between the event/concert organizer and the performer, as well as the calculation and payment of fees, can be obtained from industry associations, organizations, talent agencies, accounting firms, and invoicing services.

For all tax-related matters, the Finnish Tax Administration is the primary source of information. The applicant is responsible for ensuring the have up-to-date information related to taxation.

The Finnish Music Foundation R.F. (MES) is not the commissioning party or employer for musicians' performances. MES does not comment on agreements or pricing between the concert/event organizer and the performer. The performer must negotiate their own contract with the organizer. The organizer may apply for support for performance fees.

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Useful links for both event/concert organizers and performers:

• Finnish Musicians' Union - Information bank for musicians
• Society of Finnish Composers - Income guide
• Teme - Salary or invoice?
• Salary vs. compensation for work
• Reporting compensation for work
• Special cases of income types - performance fee
• Taxation of grants, scholarships, and honorary awards
• Deductible income-generating expenses from earned income
• Tax-free travel expense reimbursements can only be paid in an employment relationship - guidelines for different situations
• Freelancers and taxation
• VAT on performance fees
• Palkka.fi - Payroll service
• Keikkalasku.fi - Service or invoicing performance fees
• Ukko.fi - Service for invoicing performance fees

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Planning a concert? making a phonogram? Want to focus on creative work? Apply for a grant from the Finnish Music Foundation!

The Finnish Music Foundation R.F. (MES) promotes diversity of domestic music by supporting its creators, performers, publishers and producers. MES supports the production of performing artists and composers, lyricists and arrangers who are Finnish or permanently reside in Finland.

The Foundation promotes and financially supports live music events related to Finnish music, the production of music phonograms, the marketing and export of music, publishing and education. The promotion focuses on professional activities and covers all musical genres.

The support is financed by the funds allocated to the private copying levy, government grants and donations from the Foundation's backers. MES was founded by Gramex and Teosto.

Don't assume, Know!

The deadline for applications is 24:00 on all application days. Late applications will not be taken into consideration and will not be granted ex-post (except for the Phonogram Production Grant and the Music Video Grant, for which please see the information below the Grant form). MES does not operate in the evenings or during the weekends, so please take this into account in case of a possible need for assistance. For the more popular types of aid, the server may become congested during the last two days of the application period, so make sure you apply early!

An expense grant/project grant can only be used to pay for the costs of artistic activities. The applicant is the entity (individual or organisation) responsible for the income and costs of the project.

If the grant recipient uses the support provided by MES to hire labour, the grant recipient is responsible for the usual employer obligations, such as withholding taxes, incidental expenses and income tax declarations.

A well thought-out income and expenditure estimate will add credibility to the application. In most cases, the amounts awarded are between 30-50% of the project budget. Consider which attachments are relevant to the assessment of the application.

Grants are not awarded for the purchase of musical instruments or equipment.

Decision-making process

Once the application deadline has passed, the application process takes 4-8 weeks. The processing time is affected by the number of applications and the timing of the Foundation's expert committee meetings after the deadline. The foundation's board confirms the proposals made by the expert committees. Applicants will be notified of the decision by email.

The Foundation does not give reasons for its decisions, nor does it issue statements to applicants, therefore the applicant does not have the right to inspect the stored application evaluation data.

Taking VAT into account in the cost estimate and the report

VAT will only be accepted as an eligible cost if it is ultimately payable by the grant recipient. If the grant recipient deducts the paid value-added tax (VAT) in their taxation, the approved cost for the supported project will be the net amount. The grant recipient must organize their accounting in such a way that the use of the grant can be reliably tracked.

General Information

Audiovisual (AV) grant is allocated for music-driven audiovisual productions that feature Finnish performing and/or creative music. Eligible program types include, for example, music videos, music-related documentaries and films, and other AV productions that promote Finnish music.

The decision on grant is made by a panel of audiovisual industry professionals, based on the artistic and professional quality and relevance of the project's visual and audio content.

A key criteria is the musical content and significance of the production, as well as how the project promotes Finnish music. The aim of the grant is to foster a diverse range of AV productions.

AV grant is targeted at professional or potentially professional projects. Productions made as a student assignment are not eligible for support.

Grant is not allocated for the purchase of instruments or equipment.

A well-thought-out and realistic income and expense budget enhances the credibility of the application. The grant allocated typically covers 30-50% of the total project budget.

AV Scriptwriting and Pre-production Grant

Eligible program types include music-related documentaries and other music-driven productions (this grant form does not cover music videos).

This grant is intended to assist in the preliminary research and development of the subject and concept, and to help bring the project to production stage.

Only one application per project is permitted.

Attach the total project budget as an attachment to the application.

For private individuals, this grant may be allocated as a working grant, based on the application.

Include a visual style sample with your application.

The final report must include:

• Finished script or treatment
• Description of the work done

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AV Music Program Grant

Eligible projects include music-related documentaries and films, as well as other AV productions and initiatives that promote Finnish music.

Only one application per project is allowed.

Attach the total project budget to your application.

Include a visual sample from the material, a scene or style reference.

The final report must include:

• Summary of the project's income and expenses based on accounting
• Link to the finished production or other explanation of the final product

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AV Music Video Grant

Grant for music videos must be applied for with a completed music video. Applications must be submitted within 6 months of the video's release; applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered.

Include a link to the video in your application (e.g.) Youtube or Vimeo). Applications without a video link will not be processed.

To be eligible, the song featured in the music video must be publicly available through commercial distribution or public access. The song must be published digitally on a steaming platform such as Soundcloud, Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, Youtube Music, Deezer, or Tidal.

If the song released only as a physical phonogram (e.g. CD or LP), a copy must be submitted to MES as an attachment to the application.

Only one application per music video is allowed.

The grant recipient is responsible for securing all necessary copyright licenses from performers, creators, and producers,

Eligible cost categories include:

• Music video scriptwriting / pre-production
• Salaries for production personnel
• Salaries for performers
• Rental of filming locations
• Props and set costs
• Rental of technical equipment
• Post-production / lab work

Purchases of instruments or equipment are not allocated.

Marketing and screening costs related to the music video are not considered production expenses.

Costs related to the phonogram of the song itself are not covered by this grant. These may be eligible under a separate phonogram grant.

Only project-specific costs are accepted. Fixed overhead costs, which would be incurred by the applicant regardless of the project, are not accepted under music video grant.

Attach expense receipts related to the music video production totaling at least the amount of support requested. Also include a separate document explaining how these expenses relate to the specific music video production.

GRANT FOR LIVE MUSIC

Grant for live music can be allocated for various project-based initiatives involving Finnish creative and/or performing music. The grants awarded aim to promote the development of the sector, employment, and professional competence. The focus must be on professional activity or activity aiming towards professional standards.

Live music grant is allocated either as MES grant or VAKA grant. VAKA grant is a separate appropriation allocated by the Ministry of Education and Culture for club and touring projects on the independent scene. Applications eligible for VAKA grant are selected by our experts from among the submitted applications. The decision will indicate whether the grant is allocated as VAKA support.

Applications must be submitted before the project is implemented. Applications submitted retroactively will not be considered. Allocated support can only be used for expenses incurred after the application period ends. If performance dates, venues, and performers are not yet confirmed, the application is considered unfinished and cannot be processed.

The application must include:

• Confirmed performance dates, confirmed venues, and confirmed performers
• Detailed concert/gig list showing the performers
• Project budget and a financial plan (ensure it is realistic)

You may also include in the additional information section a link to the artist's/band's/event's website and a concise presentation of the performers. Consider carefully what is relevant for this particular project.

The applicant must be the party responsible for the project's revenues and expenses. Only one application per project is allowed.

PERFORMANCE FEES

Additional information regarding the performance fee can be found in the "PERFORMANCE FEE" part located above.

MES GRANT

Grant for live music can be granted for various project-based initiatives involving Finnish Creative and/or performing music. The focus must be on professional activity or activity aiming towards professional standards. Supported project types include individual concerts, concert series, tours, and music events both in Finland and abroad.

• For live music projects taking place in Finland, Grant is primarily allocated to performance fees for musicians. Travel, accommodation, and marketing expenses may also be covered. Estimated costs are not accepted. Artistic work must be compensated either by salary or purchased as a service.
• For projects taking place abroad, Grant is limited to travel expenses (e.g. flight tickets, ferry/train tickets, rental car costs).

Showcase and other promotional performances where the artists do not receive a fee after deducting travel, accommodation, and related costs fall under the marketing and export grant.

Costs related to rehearsals for performances are not eligible under this support. You may apply for working grants separately for rehearsal periods, which are intended to cover ordinary living expenses during the working period.

Key funding criteria:

• Artistic level and professional readiness of the performers
• Quality and content of the project
• Musical, cultural, and regional significance of the project
• Income and expense structure must be realistic
• For international projects, the significance of the trip for the performer(s)' career will be considered

Grant is generally not allocated for:

• Performances where musicians are not paid or are left without a fee after expenses
• Hobby-related activities, such as student orchestras or other amateur groups
• Regular domestic concerts for amateur choirs
• Core activities of state- or municipality-funded (VOS) organizations
• Performances where royalties for copyrighted works are not paid
• Established music festivals already receiving state and/or municipal subsidies
• Individual concerts within music festivals, unless another party is fully responsible for the production and finances
• Theatre, circus, or dance productions where music is not a significantly dominant component
• Organizing or participating in competitions
• Instrument or equipment purchases

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VAKA-GRANT (National Club and Regional Tour Support)

VAKA-Grant is funded by a special appropriation from the Ministry of Education and Culture. It is awarded for concert series organized domestically by professional musicians, music associations, music clubs, concert halls, industry companies, and independent event producers.

Projects that meet the VAKA criteria are selected by experts from among the applications for live music grant. The decisions will state if the support is VAKA-funded.

Eligible costs include performance fees for musicians, travel and accommodation expenses, and marketing costs. Estimated costs are not accepted. The focus must be on professional activity or activity aiming towards professional standards. Artistic work must be compensated either by salary or purchased as a service. Be aware of potential employer obligations.

Projects funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture must comply with the terms and restrictions of special grants. A contract regarding the use of the grant. its monitoring, and conditions is signed with the grant recipient and sent with the decision letter.

Selection criteria:

• Artistic level and professional readiness of the performers
• Quality and content of the project
• Musical, cultural, and regional policy significance
• Realistic income and expenditure structure

Projects that are not accepted:

• Events organized outside of Finland
• Free or charity events and performances
• Theatre, circus, or dance productions where live music is not a central component
• Events that receive separate festival support from the ministry of Education and Culture

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REPORTING

Grants are paid after the project has been completed according to the application. The project report is submitted through our online application system using your personal login.

The approval of the project requires that it is carried out as described in the application. If the actual revenues and expenses deviate significantly from the submitted budget MES reserves the right to revise its decision.

Projects funded with the Ministry of Education and Culture's VAKA appropriation must be monitored reliably at the project or cost center level. A general ledger report must be included in the final report.

Eligible costs are those necessary for the project and reasonable in amount.

VAT is accepted as an eligible costs only if it is not refundable for the grant recipient.

Overhead costs are general administrative expenses of the grant recipient that are not directly attributable to any specific activity, project, or function. If overheads would occur regardless of the project, they cannot be allocated to the project's accounting. Overheads may account for a maximum of 15% of the project's costs. This share must be justified and allocated accordingly.

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THE PROJECT REPORT MUST INCLUDE:

• Summary of project income and expenses based on accounting
• Free-form event report describing project outcomes, number of attendees, event visibility, cost structure, and the necessity of the grant
• Final concert/gig list with dates and performers
• General accounting report at project or cost center level. Income and expenses can also be itemized in e.g. Excelt format
• If VAKA grant was given, include the signed agreement that was sent with the decision letter
• Private individuals not subject to accounting obligations must provide expense receipts (including proof of payment) totaling atleast the amount of the grant received

General

Publication grants are awarded, among others, for the publication of Finnish sheet music or print-on-demand sheet music. This form of financial support is primarily designed to contribute towards editorial, proofreading and printing costs and is mainly intended for professional publishers. However, it may also be granted for other publication purposes related to the music industry.

Education grant also includes music camps and masterclasses (funded by a special appropriation from the Ministry of Education and Culture OKM).

Personal education grants are not covered by this grant.

Once a year, grant for Music camps and Masterclasses is awarded from the appropriation granted by the Ministry of Education and Culture OKM.

Reporting

A report on the use of the funds must be filed via our application system to which you log in using your user credentials.

General

Education grant is awarded for the organization of advanced and continuing education evens intended for music professionals, which promote Finnish music. Education grant includes music camps and masterclasses (funded by a special appropriation from the Ministry of Education and Culture OKM)

Personal education grants are not covered by this allocation.

Once per year, support for Music camps and Masterclasses is awarded from the appropriation allocated by the Ministry of Education and Culture

Reporting

A report on the use of the funds must be filed via our application system to which you log in using your user credentials.

General

Choir travel grants are available for foreign tours under a specific appropriation granted by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

The key criterion for this type of financial support is the choir's artistic standard and its ability to serve as a representative of Finnish choir culture abroad. The itinerary is also taken into account.

Applications for travel grants are processed once a year. Applications need to be filed before the project is implemented. Any applications received after the closing date will not be processed.

Reporting

A report on the use of the funds must be filed via our application system to which you log in using your user credentials.

General

Marketing and export grants are available for a range of domestic marketing and export projects designed to promote and increase awareness of Finnish music internationally, while at the same time boosting demand and sales and earning export revenues. This type of financial support is provided for projects with the potential to generate export revenues directly or indirectly.

Aside from the budget and timetable, the marketing plan must identify the party implementing the plan. For example, a plan for an export-promoting trip must be accompanied by information on foreseen meetings and the measures by which music exports will be promoted.

Applications need to be filed before the project is implemented. Any applications received after the closing date will not be processed.

Examples of typical projects eligible for marketing and export grants

• An information and marketing campaign in Finland or abroad related to a specific project, company or field of activity
• Participation in international music fairs, exhibitions and other events involving export-related objectives or actions that have not received travel or works export support from Music Finland
• Export and other PR publications intended to promote exports (Please note that applications for support for music videos and other audiovisual PR publications are normally filed using Music Finland's AV support application process)
• Foreign showcase, warm-up and other promotional performances for which musicians receive no compensation

As a rule, financial support is NOT granted for

• Ordinary information, development and marketing efforts, such as the creation of websites or established e-commerce platforms, demo production costs or phonogram releases
• Ordinary performances or tours for which performers receive financial compensation (see live music grants)
• Export projects that have received or may receive release tour or showcase support from Music Finland. For these, MES support is only available in exceptional cases. Export events coordinated by Music Finland and supported by MES through MF (e.g. Womex, Midem, Eurosonic), only receive grants in special cases, such as individual artists with no company and so ineligible for MF's support.
• Export projects not deemed to involve actual export objectives, plans or products that may not be realistically expected to generate any export revenues over any timeframe
• Trips to export and trade fairs as well as events held in neighbouring areas (e.g. Tallinn, St. Petersburg and Stockholm)
• Participation in contests
• Daily allowances

Reporting

A report on the use of the funds must be filed via our application system to which you log in using your user credentials.

Work grant for private individuals and ensembles / groups

Purpose of MES Work Grants

The work grant is intended for professionally active creators and performing artists who already have a proven track record of artistic work. The grant must be applied for in advance and on time.

You can apply for a work grant for:

• Creative work, such as composing, writing lyrics, and arranging
• Performative work, such as rehearsing repertoire for performances or phonograms
• Or a combination of both

The application must include a well-justified plan for the working period (what, where, and when). Clearly state the goal of the working period and include:

• a) the release schedule and publishes of any planned phonograms
• b) a schedule and venue plan for upcoming performances

You must also declare any other grants applied for or received, If you provide incorrect information or fail to report other sources of income (e.g. regular employment, other grants), or if you act against the guidelines, the grant may be withheld or reclaimed.

Attach a CV/biography to your application. Music samples must be provided as links (e.g. Spotify, iTunes, SoundCloud or Youtube).

General Information about the Working Grant

Work grants are awarded to individuals for continuous 1-, 2-, or 3-month periods of artistic work. A one-month grant may be awarded, at MES's discretion, for a shorter two-week working period Each applicant may receive a working grant for a maximum of 3 month per calendar year.

The grant is personal, meaning the application must be submitted individually.

The title of the application must include the artist name, project name, group name, or another clear identifier.

For group applications, all members must use the same title, so the applications can be processed together. All applications within the group must be for the same purpose and submitted at the same time. If the group's work is staggered (e.g., creative work vs. rehearsal), this must be explained in the application. If an applicant has other projects in addition to the group work, a separate application must be submitted for that purpose.

The grant is awarded for the purpose specified in the application and cannot be changed.

The working period may begin no earlier than the month in which the applicant receives the positive decision. Work grants are not allocated retroactively.

The grant is intended to cover personal living expenses during the working period and must not be used as a salary substitute.

You cannot receive this grant at the same time as another equivalent grant or salary. The use of the grant requires freedom from regular employment, including paid leave. During the working period, it is allowed to do part-time or occasional paid work not exceeding 20% of full time work (approx. 8 hours per week / 32 hours per month).

If the working period takes place during unemployment, the grant must be reported to your unemployment benefit provider.

Evaluation Criteria

Grants are awarded based on the work plan submitted with the application. Evaluation takes into account the applicant's previous artistic work, as well as, Peer review (comparison to other applications in the same round), as well as a holistic assessment.

The total amount of grants awarded is determined by the Foundation's available funding. Support from other sources may be taken into account. The foundations does not provided individual justifications for decisions.

Grant Amount and Taxation

The MES working grants is currently €1,900.00 per month, or €950.00 for a two-week period

The grant is personal and intended to cover normal living costs during the period of artistic work.

Grants for artistic work are tax-exempt up to the same annual amount as the state artist grant for 2024, the tax-exempt limit was €26,269.46

MES submits an annual report to the Finnish Tax Administration regarding work grants paid. Keep a copy of your grant decision letter. If needed the recipient must be able to provide the Tax Administration with proof of the grant's tax-exempt status.

NOTE: Completing a final report is a condition for tax-exempt status. The report must be submitted within two months of the end of the working period.

More information on grant taxation:

Taxation of grants - Finnish Tax Administration

For Grant Applicants - Association of Finnish Foundations

Payment and use of the work grant

Follow the instructions provided in the grant decision letter when requesting the payment. The grant must be withdrawn during the working period, as it is intended for covering living costs during that time.

MES reports all grants paid to the Tax Administration annually. The working period, payment date, and final report must match the Tax Administration's annual report. The applicant must follow the approved work plan. If you receive a regular salary or other grants, you cannot withdraw MES grants at the same time.

As noted earlier, the grant requires release from regular employment, including paid leave. Part-time or occasional work is allowed only if its less than 20% of full-time work (approx. 8 hrs/week or 32 hrs/month).

If you are unemployed during the working period, inform your unemployment fund or Kela. MES can issue a certificate for authorities upon request.

The grant usage period is determined per application round based on project timelines. The grant must be used only for the purpose specified in the application. Any changes must be discussed with the MES office (mes@mes.fi).

Payment dates are the 15th and last day of each month (no payments on July 15). Payment requests must be submitted at least one week in advance.

Examples:

• 1-month March grant can be paid on Feb 28 / Mar 15 / Mar 31
• 2-week March grant can be paid on Feb 28 / Mar 15 or Mar 15 / Mar 31

The personal grant may not bet transferred to another individual or to a company or organization account.

Final Report for the Work Grant.

The grant must be withdrawn during the working period, as it is intended for personal living expenses during that time. MES will report the grant to the Tax Administration, and the working period, payment dated, and final report must match.

Completing a final report is a condition for the tax-exempt status. Failure to submit the report will block future grants and may lead to repayment request.

Submit a free-form report as soon as possible and no later than two months after the working period ends. Each recipient is responsible for their own report. Providing incorrect information or failing to report other income (e.g. salary or other grants) may result in the non-payment or recovery of the grants.

The foundation is interested in understanding:

• What you achieved during the grant period
• How the grant contributed to the project's completion
• That the grant was used for the purpose stated in your application

The report must include:

• Your name and grant decision number
• In the case of ensembles/work groups: the names of all members
• Dates of the working period
• Sufficiently detailed description of how the working period was carried out and what you accomplished
• Performance/publishing schedule of the rehearsed repertoire or the release/performance timeline of a composition

Phonogram Production Grant

Phonogram production support is granted for the production of new phonograms that feature Finnish performing and/or creative music.

Phonogram production grant from the Finnish Music Foundation (MES) is available in two forms: Phonogram production grant or Artist grant.

An applicant may only apply for one of these grant types per application year. Artist grant cannot be applied for in connection with an individual phonogram.

Both grant types require that the phonogram is already published.

Each grant type has separate application forms.

Applications are reviewed by committees consisting of experts in different musical genres. Separate expert panels handle applications for classical and popular music.

Key criteria for phonogram and artist grants

• Quality and standard of the music and performance
• Originality, freshness and novelty of the repertoire
• Musical and cultural relevance of the phonogram
• Emphasis on professional quality

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Phonogram grant

An applicant may apply only once per for either phonogram grant or artist grant.

Phonogram grant is intended for individual Phonograms that include multiple musical works. The scope of the content (album, EP, or equivalent) must be described in the application.

This grant does not apply to the production of singles.

Decisions are based on post-production review of the digitally or physically released phonogram.

Eligible cost categories include:

• Project-specific phonogram costs
• Mixing and editing costs
• Mastering costs
• Cover design costs
• Performers' fees
• Travel and accommodation expenses (at MES's discretion)

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Not eligible:

• Printing and marketing costs of the album
• Instrument or equipment purchases
• General overheads not directly related to the project

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Only project-specific costs are accepted. Fixed general expenses that would occur regardless of the project are not eligible under this grant.

The phonogram must have a commercial, professionally operated physical and/or digital distribution channel, such as iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, Bandcamp, or services provided by telecom operators.

Youtube is not an accepted distribution platform.

The application must include a Spotify link to the published phonogram (album, EP, or equivalent).

If the phonogram has been released only in physical format, a copy may be sent to MES in support of the application.

Applications without a link or physical copy will not be processed.

The application must be submitted by the party responsible for the project's expenses. Only one application per project is permitted.

Companies and organizations must base their application on accounting records. Accounting must be organized in a way that allows for reliable monitoring of the project. Upon request, the applicant must submit a general ledger extract showing project income and expenses.

If the applicant deducts VAT in their tax reporting, only net costs are eligible for support.

If the application includes salaries, fees, or compensation for work, the applicant is responsible for standard employer obligations, including withholding tax, employer contributions, and reporting to the income register.

Private individuals who are not subject to accounting obligations may only receive grant as reimbursement for actual expenses. Estimated costs are not accepted.

Expense receipts must be attached to the application. If the applications includes salaries, fees, or compensation for work, the applicant is still responsible for the usual employer obligations (taxes, contributions, reporting).

Artist grant

Artist grant is production grant for companies that release phonograms. It supports the professional development and promotion of artists' careers.

The purpose of the grant is to strengthen the professional advancement of Finnish artists or artists working in Finland and to enable risk-taking in production that are designed to boost artists' career.

All musical genres are eligible.

An applicant may only apply once per year for either phonogram grant or artist grant. Artist grant cannot be applied for an individual phonogram.

Decisions are based on:

• Written production plan
• Listening to the published phonogram (digital or physical format)

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Eligible cost categories include:

• Project-based phonogram costs
• Mixing and editing costs
• Mastering costs
• Album cover design
• Performer fees
• Travel and accommodation (at MES's discretion)

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Not eligible:

• Printing and marketing costs
• Instrument or equipment purchases

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Phonograms must be distributed through commercial, professionally operated physical and/or digital platforms (e.g., iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, Bandcamp, or telecom operator services). Youtube is not an accepted distribution channel.

A Spotify link to the published phonogram (album, EP, or equivalent) must be included in the application. if the recoding is released only physically, it may be sent to the MES office in support of the application. Applications without a link or physical copy will not be considered.

Accounting must allow for reliable tracing of the project. Upon request, the applicant must provide MES with a general ledger extract of the project's income and expenses. If the applicant deducts VAT, costs are accepted net of tax. If the application includes salaries, fees, or compensation, the applicant is responsible for employer obligations (withholding tax, employer contributions, income register reporting).

Reporting

The final report for both phonogram grant and artist grant must be submitted through our online application system using your personal login credentials. For private individuals not subject to accounting obligations, the grant is allocated solely as reimbursement for actual expenses. Estimated costs are not accepted. The report must include expense receipts (including proof of payment) totaling at least the amount of the grant received.