London-based charity Creative Mentor Network (CMN) has teamed up with Sony Music UK for the mentorship programme Positive Influence.
CMN works towards making the creative world more inclusive through mentoring, and for their latest project Sony Music UK employees will volunteer to take part in a 16-week mentorship programme.
For the duration of the programme the Sony Music UK employees will work directly with CMN and a variety of youth centres across London to connect talented young people aged 16-24 from diverse backgrounds to make connections, receive support and gain valuable new skills.
The project aims to tackle inequality in the music industry and encourage better access and inclusion for disadvantaged communities.
The Gatsby Charitable Foundation has reported that their research shows that young people are five times more likely to become employed if they make at least four professional connections before they leave school.
Jason Iley, chairman and chief executive officer, Sony Music UK and Ireland says: ‘Our industry is one which thrives on diverse ideas and equal opportunities, so I’m pleased that we’re working with CMN, because we know that creative and executive talent exists in all corners of our society. I’m a great believer in mentorship and there are several people who have guided my own career path, so I’m keen to encourage my colleagues at Sony to share their knowledge and experience and perhaps uncover a few future leaders in the process.’
Isabel Farchy, CMN’s Founder and CEO added: ‘Workforce diversity in the UK music business, particularly for new starters, has risen by five percent over the last two years – a positive sign of the changing face of a world-leading industry. However, we need to focus our efforts, now more than ever, on nurturing and retaining this talent. Through a partnership with CMN, Sony Music have made an impressive commitment to improving diversity and inclusion. They’re not just talking about it, they’re doing something, and we can’t wait for the programme to start !’
CMN works towards making the creative world more inclusive through mentoring, and for their latest project Sony Music UK employees will volunteer to take part in a 16-week mentorship programme.
For the duration of the programme the Sony Music UK employees will work directly with CMN and a variety of youth centres across London to connect talented young people aged 16-24 from diverse backgrounds to make connections, receive support and gain valuable new skills.
The project aims to tackle inequality in the music industry and encourage better access and inclusion for disadvantaged communities.
The Gatsby Charitable Foundation has reported that their research shows that young people are five times more likely to become employed if they make at least four professional connections before they leave school.
Jason Iley, chairman and chief executive officer, Sony Music UK and Ireland says: ‘Our industry is one which thrives on diverse ideas and equal opportunities, so I’m pleased that we’re working with CMN, because we know that creative and executive talent exists in all corners of our society. I’m a great believer in mentorship and there are several people who have guided my own career path, so I’m keen to encourage my colleagues at Sony to share their knowledge and experience and perhaps uncover a few future leaders in the process.’
Isabel Farchy, CMN’s Founder and CEO added: ‘Workforce diversity in the UK music business, particularly for new starters, has risen by five percent over the last two years – a positive sign of the changing face of a world-leading industry. However, we need to focus our efforts, now more than ever, on nurturing and retaining this talent. Through a partnership with CMN, Sony Music have made an impressive commitment to improving diversity and inclusion. They’re not just talking about it, they’re doing something, and we can’t wait for the programme to start !’
