As of yesterday (10 February), Black music creators and industry professionals can apply for the PRS Foundation managed Power Up Participant Programme.
Power Up is designed address anti-Black racism and disparities in the music sector, while the Participant Programme has been set up to support Black talent within the music industry.
Ideal candidates will be at crucial stages in their career, working in any genre or sub-sector, and will be in need of support to progress. Support includes a grant of up to £15,000, capacity building and mentoring, support from partners and marketing support.
The initiative brings together several music industry partners across all sectors to accelerate change, with supporters including Creative Scotland, AIM, the BPI, the FAC, The Ivors Academy, the MMF, the MPA, MPG, The Musicians’ Union, PPL, PRS for Music and the PRS Members’ Fund who bring added-value support to Power Up participants.
Power Up Ambassador Tiffany Calver said: 'Solidarity is no longer enough, we need action to make any real change in our industry and the wider society. Power Up is a great example of what action can look like. I’m proud to be an Ambassador for Power Up and excited for the future of the industry and hope this inspires more people to get involved but also empower others to push forward their own actions for positive change.'
Following on from the Time To Power Up premiere on YouTube, a new Time To Power Up Podcast series is being released, with discussions centring around the experience of Black Music creators and Industry professionals within the UK music industry and delving deeper into the detail of the initiative and how people can get involved.
Episode one is hosted by Ace from BBC Radio 1Xtra and guests include, Keith Harris, Kwame Kwaten, Rich Castillo, Hannah Kendall, Despa and Neicee Oakley, episode two is hosted by Jamz Supernova from BBC Radio 1Xtra with guests including, Ben Wynter, Joe Frankland, Yaw Owusu and Natalie Wade.
These first two episodes are available to listen to from today.
In alliance with the Black Music Coalition, the Power Up movement will set targets and apply industry pressure to increase Black representation, empower and advocate for Black talent and industry professionals, consequently influencing policy and shaping the future of the music.
The deadline for applications is Wednesday 10 March at 6pm. Members of the Year 1 Power Up Participant network will be selected and announced in April 2021.
Watch Time To Power Up below.
