New Wave
The PRS foundation is one of the staples in the UK music industry, giving aid to rising artists and developing structures that allow them to thrive. Some success stories include names; like Little Simz, AJ Tracy, and Dave. Over the past year, there has been a tremendous call for equality in all aspects of society. Many would remember the shutdown of the music industry for a day due to the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests, showing solidarity to those fighting for justice and stopping any distractions from the activism that flooded the streets of the world. However, many saw the act as shallow and, in actuality, caused more of a distraction by unintentionally suppressing the real message at hand.
Fast forward to now, The PRS Foundation is making an institutional change with the 'Power Up' program co-founded by Ben Wynter. In a recent statement, the foundation states:
"PRS Foundation has spent time as a team, with Trustees and partners and colleagues in the Black music community, reflecting and recognising that we must do better, committing to tangible structural, operational and personal actions which ensure we will go further than standing in solidarity, practicing and championing anti-racism to truly play our part in bringing down barriers, standing up against injustice and racism and supporting the Black music community."
Set up and managed by PRS Foundation, Power Up goes beyond solidarity, with new approaches that foster meaningful change. The initiative will be in partnership with the Black Music Coalition, YouTube Music, Beggars Group, and several music industry partners.
The Power Up Programme will be a longterm project, steered with over 80 Black music professionals, that supports 20 Black musicians and executives a year each. Participants that are aided by the network will be provided with up to a £15K grant support and access to partners and marketing guidance. this initiative is designed to influence policy and shape the future for Black musicians and entrepreneurs in the industry for many years to come.
For more information on how to get involved, visit prsfoundation.com
Or tune in to the Youtube stream at 5pm today here