Jaguar launches Future1000 to redress gender imbalances in the music industry

Jaguar and FutureDJs have teamed up to launch a new initiative called Future1000, aiming to redress gender imbalances in the music industry.

According to the UK Music Diversity Survey - women make up only 16% of all artists in the industry. New initiative Future1000 aims to combat this by providing opportunities for 1000 women, trans and non-binary people to develop their careers.

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Led by DJ and broadcaster Jaguar and music education initiative FutureDJs, Future1000 has created a summer-long course that will give insight into the workings of the music industry. The project will focus on DJing, production, management and radio presentation, among other key elements of the industry.

The course will take place online, and requires no equipment or previous knowledge - and gives participants opportunities to learn from leading industry professionals through interactive artist-led sessions. The online modules have been developed with London College of Music Education accredited course tutors. Schools taking part will also be able to apply for free practice equipment for participating students.

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Future1000 aim to help people from underrepresented backgrounds, specifically women, non-binary and trans people, who are massively underrepresented within the industry - which has been excaerbated due to the coronavirus pandemic. It aims to give artists support early in their careers - which is often not available but can be useful for development.

Jaguar, co-founder of Future1000, spoke of the aim to reduce inequalities within the industry: “Our hope for equality lies in the next generation and that’s why Future1000 will help improve gender diversity and representation at the very start of young people’s journeys into music, at a time when access to opportunities and inclusivity is most critical. My own experience of coming up in the industry, and often being the only girl in the room, has motivated me to make a change for others from similar backgrounds, and I hope that Future1000 helps to show young girls, trans and non-binary people what they’re capable of.”

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Austen Smart, co-founder of FutureDJs & Future1000, commented: “FutureDJs is on a mission to remix music education and make learning accessible and inspiring for all young musicians. By helping more young women, trans and non-binary students take their first steps into the music industry through the empowerment of 1000 young music makers, we want to challenge outdated structures, and create real opportunities for the next generation of talent.”

Future1000 are currently recruiting participants for the programme - running from May to December. Participants will also be given free access to Soundtrap to help with their completion of the programme.

You can apply, and find more information here.

Tope Olufemi is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow them on Twitter

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