PRS for Music Foundation have announced a new initiative supporting four innovative UK musicians who will each take part in a six-week residency in different cities in China, absorbing the culture with a view to writing new music inspired by their new locations and relationships.

The artists selected are Imogen Heap going to Hangzhou, hosted by Westlake Music Festival, Jamie Woon going to Xi’an, home of the legendary terracotta warriors, Gareth Bonello going to Chengdu and Matthew Bourne going to Xiamen and nearby Gu Lang Yu, known as ‘Piano Island’. Imogen Heap and Gareth Bonello are set to depart this week. Gareth will be keeping a blog of his experiences during his time in China.

Watch this space for updates on the four residencies, and visit the PRS for Music Foundation website.

The four residencies are also being supported by the British Council.