Brits' SXSW turnout boosted by funding; hike in travel grant fuels record UK presence at event.(International)

The Government is doubling its support for the British delegation attending next month's South by South West, with 56 companies receiving financial assistance to attend the showcase event.

As a result, a record number of UK acts will be performing in Austin from March 11 to 20, including Bloc Party, Hot Chip, The Dears and The Czars. Each of the act's record companies are receiving a travel grant of 500 [pounds sterling] each from UK Trade & Investment to support the trip.

The bands are attending as part of a British delegation organised by Aim, the BPI, British Music Rights, British Underground, PPL and UK Trade & Investment, with additional support from the MMF.

The extra financial support is widely attributed to the increased government emphasis placed on the creative industries and an improved dialogue between music and Government.

"If you said five years ago we'd be getting this kind of help from the Government I'd have laughed at you, because four or five years ago the Government didn't realise the creative industries needed this kind of help," says Phil Patterson, who is employed by Aim but seconded to UKT&I. "Meanwhile, we've worked to raise awareness to the industry of what support is available, so it's a learning curve from both sides."

Additional assistance for many of the acts and labels is being provided by regional arts associations such as the Scottish Arts Council, Welsh Music Foundation, Northern Ireland Music Industry Commission, Merseyside Music Development Association and Manchester City Music Network.

South by South West, which was first held in 1987, has served as a launchpad for UK acts ...