Simkins proud to support POWER UP as Year 2 participants announced
Simkins are delighted to continue to back POWER UP, part of the PRS Foundation, as they announce the music creators, industry professionals and executives who will make up Year 2 of the Participant Programme as key successes from Year 1 are celebrated.
Co-founded by PRS Foundation and Ben Wynter, POWER UP’s Participant Programme elevates exciting Black talent and is a key feature of the long-term initiative launched to address anti-Black racism and racial disparities in the music sector.
With 431 applications from 304 music creators and 127 industry professionals at crucial career stages, POWER UP has now received close to 1,000 applications since it was launched in February 2021. So far, over £10m of grant support has been requested and the demand for a fairer and equitable music industry from those hitting glass ceilings and experiencing racial barriers is now undeniable.
The long-term network of participants represents Black talent across the UK and in the Year 2 cohort, 50% of participants are based outside London, including 3 in Scotland, 2 in Wales and 2 in Northern Ireland. 50% of participants are women or gender minorities, and over a quarter are LGBTQ+. And selected Participants work across a broad range of genres - from Black Music genres including R&B and Rap, to Electronic & Dance, Pop, Jazz, Americana, Alternative/Rock, and everything in between – and in many different roles and sectors of music.
The initiative brings together several music industry partners across all sectors to accelerate change, with supporters including Creative Scotland, Believe, Simkins, Arts Council of Wales, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, plus 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.
Nick Eziefula, Partner, commented: “I was thrilled to be involved in Power Up as a year 1 participant. The programme had a profound and direct effect on my career, strengthening my network, raising my profile and broadening my expertise. Simkins are delighted to continue to support the programme to help ensure that other Black industry professionals and creatives can receive the support and recognition they deserve.”
To find out more about POWER UP please click here.
