A POPULAR Wrexham music festival has announced its involvement in an international music project.

Global Music Match is a network to promote artists in new territories, develop social media skills and interaction, grow audiences and connect musicians globally.

Created in a world first collaboration between founding partners Showcase Scotland Expo, Sounds Australia and East Coast Music Association (ECMA), along with export organisations and showcase events from around the world, Global Music Match is an initiative created to continue raising the profile of local artists in international music markets within the challenging parameters of the COVID 19 pandemic.

The program is a unique response to the limitations imposed on the music industry, which makes use of the only available platform – social media and peer-to-peer collaboration – to increase networks and exposure for export-ready artists internationally.

Global Music Match is supported by multiple export organisations including FOCUS Wales, Showcase Scotland Expo, Sounds Australia, ECMA Canada, English Folk Expo, Music Finland, Iceland Music, Puglia Sounds (Italy), Music Norway, and LUCfest Taiwan, connecting artists from around the world.

A spokesman for FOCUS Wales said: "Breaking artists into a new territory or country is a challenging process, exacerbated by the pandemic as traditional international showcasing opportunities are reduced. "This programme aims to develop new audience bases for artists in a range of international locations, providing a groundwork for future international touring development.

"The programme will also support participating artists to upskill their social media activity, as well as encourage cross border artist collaboration."

Applications to take part in the programme are now open for artists from Wales via the FOCUS Wales website, along with more information on the project.

To find out more https://www.focuswales.com/global-music-match/

Tickets for FOCUS Wales are available now, at www.focuswales.com/tickets