Open call for artists to apply for Jazz North’s live touring support programme, Northern Line
Ancient Infinity Orchestra, current Northern Line artist / Credit: Kieran Irvine
Today we’ve opened the latest recruitment call to Northern jazz artists to apply for Jazz North’s live touring support programme, Northern Line. The successful cohort will receive an 18-month programme of 1:1 mentoring, a showcase at manchester jazz festival on Sunday 23rd May 2027 in front of a public audience and invited industry guests, and a bursary to support their live touring costs.
The programme, which has supported ninety five bands and hundreds of musicians since it launched in 2013, is seeking the next five artists to join its thriving roster of live touring artists. Northern Line ensures gigs can happen, despite the ever changing landscape.
Northern Line is now open for applications until 12 noon on Friday 2nd November 2026
Northern Line artists are selected through an open application process, shortlisted by an advisory panel of music industry experts. For this 13th round, the panel includes Wesley Stephenson (Jazz North East, NFOJAiM), Grace Pitkin (Serious), Nanette Brimble (Promoter/Producer - YardFest, JPN), Bryony Jarman-Pinto (Northern Line alumni artist) and Josh Aitman (We Out Here).
“Northern Line remains the definitive launchpad for live jazz in the North, celebrating the artists who define the fearless creativity and vibrant spirit of our region.
In today’s touring landscape, building a sustainable live career requires more than just exceptional talent—it demands targeted investment, strategic guidance, and real industry visibility. Joining Northern Line isn’t just about accessing vital tour bursaries and 1:1 mentoring; it’s an unmistakable stamp of quality that signals to promoters, festivals, and audiences nationwide that you are an essential artist to watch.”
Rivkala, current Northern Line artist / Credit: Kieran Irvine
“Being on Jazz North has been massive for us as a band. It’s taken us from being a band making good music to an outfit with some direction. We always knew how we wanted to sound, but doing this has given us the confidence to push on. Without this support […] we would not have had the time and space to create the music which really represents our sound, this would not have been possible without [Northern Line].”
Northern Line opens for applications at midday on Monday 5th October. Applications close at midday on Friday 2nd November 2026.
Find out more: jazznorth.org/northern-line