The BBC Performing Arts Fund is a registered charity and was formerly known as the Fame Academy Bursary Trust. Set up in 2003 within the BBC, the team work with talent scouts and the urban music industry to find the best local talent and provide them with funding, training and contacts as part of an ongoing commitment to nurturing homegrown urban music.

In 2008, 17 talented musicians, promoters, DJs, agents and songwriters were each awarded sponsorship to develop their careers and mentoring for 12 months from Urban Development.

Quotes

"This year's Urban Music Bursary has recognised and awarded a group of extremely focused and multi-talented young people who will undoubtedly go on to be a creative force in whichever career path they choose to take".
Laura Lukanz, Music Manager, 1Xtra

"The standard of winners this year shows that the UK Urban Music scene, after a couple of hard years, is back to rude good health. This year's winners reflect the depth of quality we have here in the UK. I'm looking forward to following the success that our winners achieve in the coming year and into the future".
Andrew Missingham, Music Consultant

The 2008 Urban Music residency took place at the end of May, where the finalists were given access to industry experts and mentors ahead of the announcement of winners.

To find out more visit the BBC website for Performing Arts