In a statement released on social media this morning, KNEECAP have claimed that they have been denied funding through the Music Export Growth Scheme – despite their application being "independently approved and signed off by [the] selection board."

"It was then blocked directly by the British Government who overruled the independent selection board," the Belfast group continued. "We're told that our 2019 'Farewell to the Union' Tour Poster pissed off the Tories."

Back in November 2019, KNEECAP made front page news after releasing a tour poster that depicted Arlene Foster and Boris Johnson tied to a rocket. The trio defended their poster at the time as "fine art" – a stance they also took when condemned by some of the North's most prominent politicians, after they unveiled a mural in West Belfast of a PSNI Land Rover in flames.

As KNEECAP themselves have succinctly summed up in the past: “Free press!”

The Music Export Growth Scheme, according to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI)'s website, is "designed to make available grants ranging from £5,000 - £50,000 to UK-registered independent music companies to assist them with marketing campaigns when looking to introduce successful UK music projects overseas."

The website also states that the applications are "reviewed by the BPI and DBT [the UK's Department for Business & Trade], and those successfully shortlisted will be considered by a panel of music industry experts."

"The Selection Board will meet soon after a round closes to consider applications," the guidelines continue. "It is independently chaired by John Kennedy, who has been appointed by DBT to oversee the process. The board will be made up of a 10-15-strong panel of industry experts and representatives from a number of music organisations as well as BPI and DBT. It will also include professional and business advice."

Details of the latest round of Music Export Growth Scheme funding was announced today – with a total of £1.6 million going to 67 artists from across the UK. In the past the funding has supported the careers of major names like Dave, Jungle, Kae Tempest, Rina Sawayama and Ezra Collective.

In this morning's statement, KNEECAP – who are set to release their debut album via UK label Heavenly Recordings later this year – went on to say that: "Once again the British government is trying to silence voices from West Belfast – once again it will fail!"

"Fair fucks the artists who got the funding," they concluded, before ending their message with a call to "Fight Censorship".

KNEECAP STATEMENT

We’ve been blocked from receiving significant music funding because a Tory Minister doesn’t like our art.

F*ck the Tories pic.twitter.com/xWWUdGNj5l

— KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) February 8, 2024

Earlier this year, KNEECAP, Rich Peppiatt's film starring and inspired by the hip-hop trio, had its world premiere at Sundance – winning the highly coveted Audience Award in the festival's NEXT section. The film has also been officially selected for SXSW Film & TV Festival in Austin, Texas, running from March 8-16.

The funding of the film also sparked controversy in the wake of KNEECAP's success at Sundance – with the former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Theresa Villiers and the DUP's Ian Paisley Jr. speaking out about the use of public funds and lottery money to finance the film.

In response, KNEECAP commented: “You can inform the DUP that we will put on a private screening for them in Belfast, in an Orange lodge of their choice. We will send popcorn and fizzy drinks too, all on us. Grá mor [big love].”

Read our 2022 cover story interview with KNEECAP here.