popNRW

About popNRW

popNRW is a statewide funding program for pop music from North Rhine-Westphalia. Since 2012, popNRW has supported outstanding bands and promising newcomers on their path toward a professional music career.

Through the popNRW Prize, international showcase performances, tour funding, and workshops, popNRW strengthens the visibility of artists from NRW and connects them with the national and international music industry.

The goal is to support professional development, strengthen artistic careers, and increase the visibility of pop acts from North Rhine-Westphalia on national and international stages.

Our Programs

popNRW Prize

The popNRW Prize annually honors outstanding artists from North Rhine-Westphalia. In the categories Newcomer and Outstanding Artist, promising acts are recognized. The award is considered an important platform for emerging pop artists from NRW.

Export & Showcase

popNRW supports musicians from North Rhine-Westphalia in accessing national and international music markets. In cooperation with renowned showcase festivals, popNRW enables performances in front of international industry audiences and fosters networking with bookers, labels, agencies, and promoters.

Tour Funding & Workshops

popNRW supports acts nominated for the popNRW Prize with tour funding, enabling national and international concert tours. In addition, popNRW offers open workshops on topics such as the music business, touring, and internationalization.

Organizers & Partners

popNRW is a project at Landesmusikrat NRW. The program is made possible by the Ministry for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, as well as by the NRW KULTURsekretariat.

Additional partners include PopBoard NRW, c/o pop Convention and VUT West within the framework of the NEW TALENT program, as well as the network of regional pop funding initiatives across NRW.