Helping hand for music industry hopefuls

By Barrie Hudson - 17 June 2021

CommunityEducationArts and Culture
  • BLENDID Media & Artists founder Gina Akers

    BLENDID Media & Artists founder Gina Akers

Wiltshire business BLENDID Media & Artists has been awarded funding from the Youth Music Incubator Fund. 

The money will be used by BLENDID to deliver its Music Industry Insights & Skills Development Programme, supporting 18-25 year olds from Swindon and Wiltshire who are looking to progress or start a career in the music industries. 

BLENDID Media & Artists is a music artist agency and management business representing platinum and gold selling music artists, and performers, bands and DJs from all over the world. 

Founder Gina Akers said: “I’m absolutely delighted we've been awarded funding through Youth Music’s Incubator Fund, and that we can offer our Music Industry Insights & Skills Development Programme, to young people.  

"This is an exciting opportunity for young people and the music industries, and a true investment into culture in the Swindon and Wiltshire areas”.

The incubator fund is an investment to support the next generation of workers in the music industries. This project is supported by Youth Music’s Incubator Fund, thanks to funding from players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, and in partnership with YouTube and the Postcode Culture Trust. 

Successful applicants will be offered paid roles on BLENDID’s 12 week programme. Individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds are invited to apply - they may be a musician, but equal opportunity to take part will be given to those who are not, and applicants may have some or no experience in the music industry. 

The programme is designed for people aged 18 to25s who do not have a degree.

The bespoke programme offers skills training including entrepreneurial skills, identifying income opportunities, monetising and generating income streams, PR skills, writing press releases, social media strategy and management, creating a social media plan and content creation, networking skills, personal and professional development skills, confidence building, resilience, CV and LinkedIn profile creation, presentations and pitching skills, and interview preparation.

Participants will work on real-life projects along with experiencing workshops, expert talks and networking events. 

Dependent on covid restrictions, involvement with live events including festivals may also be possible. 

In addition, coaching will be provided with time for reflection and personal development, and supported skills and knowledge training to make career related decisions. 

More information can be found at www.blendid.co.uk and via [email protected] 

The deadline for applications is Saturday, 26 June, and the programme will start in early July.

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