Music outreach programme backed by £4m lottery fund
A music-led youth outreach programme put together by the BPI, Global Radio and children’s charity UK Youth has received backing from the BIG Lottery fund in the form of an investment worth almost £4 million.
Entitled The Big Music Project, the programme will aim to empower and inspire young people by developing their social skills and societal engagement, whilst also providing motivational activities.
The BPI will provide a music-focused programme of training, job opportunities, and community outreach for young people aged 14-24 across the UK, with a primary focus on deprived areas.
The programme will consist of:
• Four national themed events, hosted by Music Matters, including live music, ideas from musicians, interactive panels with industry experts and free music lessons with trained musicians
• Nationwide music competition run by Next BRIT Thing to find and encourage new musical talent
• New careers initiative offering 250+ unpaid and paid placements
Geoff Taylor, chief executive of BPI and The BRIT Awards, explained: “We’ve seen first-hand how music is a force for good that can change lives. With our partners across the music industry, we’ll offer internships in music companies, work experience at the BRIT Awards, and music mentoring to a new generation of young people who never believed they might get the chance to work in such an exciting business.”
Other partners involved in the project include music and media organisations, such as UK Music, The British Music Experience, Classic FM, Capital FM, The BRIT Awards and the Music Industries Association, along with charities, educational institutions and youth organisations.
Jo Dipple, chief executive of UK Music, said: “I am delighted that UK Music is a partner in The Big Music Project which aims to reach millions of young people and teach skills development through music.
“Through The BIG Music Project and UK Youth we can reach out to many more youngsters. Our joint goal must be to create training opportunities for young people both to develop a new generation of talent and to teach employable skills for the future.”
The Big Music Project is expected to start in spring 2014 and will run until 2015. Events will be held throughout the UK, with focus on larger cities, including London, Belfast, Glasgow and Cardiff.