2024
Based in Croydon, Club Soda is dedicated to breaking stereotypes and fostering a society where individuals with learning disabilities are valued and integrated. They will deliver an Emerging Artists Programme across 6 months which aims to nurture young musicians with learning disabilities, offering tailored pathways for skill development, live performances, recording, and band formation. Rooted in Croydon’s community, it will foster inclusivity, partnerships, and evening/weekend accessibility, enhancing opportunities for social integration and creative growth.
Compass Collective is an award-winning refugee art charity that assists unaccompanied minor refugees and young people seeking asylum to build resilience and integrate into the UK. They will deliver ‘Songs of Sanctuary’, a 7-month programme in collaboration with Music Action International and Promised Lands Studios enabling 15 talented refugee and asylum seeking musicians to take the next step in their music careers. The course will include masterclasses from industry professionals at MAI, culminating in a performance at ‘The Jago’.
Independent female-led grassroots organisation Girls of Grime strives to steer change towards gender balance within the music industry. Their ‘Big Sister Circle’ project empowers at-risk and vulnerable young women through music by fostering community. The initiative will explore music career pathways, focusing on artist development, content creation, marketing, and live event production.
Camden based arts charity HvH Arts will deliver a 3-month summer project Camden Rock-U-Mentory supporting 10 talented young band members aged 14-16 to develop their musical, production and performance experience. Alongside musical training and career skills mentoring by industry professionals, the young people will record an EP, perform a live mini-tour and create their own rockumentary with a young professional film-maker.
Music and media organisation Community Albums aims to support 10 people between the ages of 14-21 hoping to forge a career in the music industry. Designed to help and give those who face economic, social or opportunity barriers the chance to hone, develop and showcase their talent, their mentoring programme Beats Working will help marginalised and disadvantaged young people in Newham develop their musical talents through the process of writing, producing and recording a song.