Artists and venues based in Kingston and the surrounding area can win professional support and funding under Kingston Council's new music project.

The council gained funding for the CirKT project from the Mayor of London last year after it won the city authority's Cultural Impact Award.

CirKT is calling for all musicians and venues from the area interested in taking part to submit a short application form on their website.

Successful applicants will get the chance to show their music to a stellar panel of music industry giants including: Mickey Beans (La Roux), Rob Da Bank (BBC Radio 1, Bestival Co- Founder) and Robin Turner (Turner and Hall Music Pr, Heavenly Music Pr).

All selected acts will have access to performance platforms as well as professional production and marketing support. Artists wishing to take part in the initiative can be from Kingston and its surrounding areas including Richmond, Wandsworth, Sutton, Merton and Surrey.

Mickey Beans, La Roux's Keyboardist, said: "CirKT is a huge opportunity for new music talent and it is just what London needs right now. I am passionate about supporting new music talent, especially in today’s climate and jumped at the chance to be a part of CirKT. I'm proud to be a selection panellist and can’t wait to meet the music acts."

A top Mayor of London representative meanwhile praised the project and alluded to the borough's rich music scene.

Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, Justine Simons OBE, said: "We’re determined that all Londoners have the opportunity to experience the benefits that culture can bring to their lives. That's why the Mayor launched his Borough of Culture programme to bring the arts to Londoners' doorsteps. I'm delighted that CirKT will be building on Kingston's outstanding musical history, and giving the next generation of talented performers their chance to shine."

CirKT will soon release a programme of music events, music industry conferences, a new talent development programme and public workshops, with focused activities taking place in June and November 2019 as well as across the year.

Kingston’s grass roots project is being led by Anna Doyle, whose experience includes directing the Reading-upon-Thames Festival’s cultural programme, which is part of Arts Council England’s ‘Great Places’ scheme and working as a Lead Creative Producer during the 2012 London Olympics.

To apply for CirKT, complete a short application form on www.cirkt.com by 9am on Wednesday 6 March. All applicants will have the opportunity to be considered for one of five spotlight awards which offers a package of support including mentoring from industry peers, artistic and business development, plus a bursary of £500.