Take The Reins gives underrepresented groups in Manchester experience in the music industry
Run by The Warehoue Project, charity Brighter Sound, and RA - the initiative provides four weeks of work experience
A new initiative is giving people from underrepresented backgrounds within Greater Manchester a chance to have first-hand experience working behind-the-scenes paid jobs in the music industry.
Take The Reins - created by The Warehouse Project in partnership with music charity Brighter Sound and Resident Advisor - will give four-week paid work experience opportunities to those who know they want a career in the sector but don’t have a “clear entry point”.
The scheme is taking place at The Warehouse Project venue The Depot, and will happen over this coming season at the Manchester-based party.
Read this next: Manchester is the beating heart of new music in the UK
Some of the positions that can be filled as part of this experience programme include Artist Liaison, Visual Operator/Artist, Lighting Operator and Sound Engineer - and training will be provided regarding what each role entails.
No previous experience in these fields is required, however, applicants should demonstrate a keen interest in the area. Applicants from LGBTQ+, low socio-economic, ethnic minority, and gender-minority backgrounds are given priority in the scheme.
Those taking part in the scheme will be given £50 for every half day worked, and travel expenses covered.
Read this next: The Warehouse Project is one of the world's best clubbing experiences
Kim O’Brien, Director of Operations at The Warehouse Project, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Brighter Sound and Resident Advisor this season providing training opportunities for young people in the local community to work with the best creative talent in the music industry.
“We are looking forward to creating a platform for real growth that will hopefully inspire other companies to do the same.”
Research from the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC) has found that there is a class imbalance within the music sector, discovering that only 16% of people in creative jobs are from working-class backgrounds.
Similarly, research from BLIM found that 88% of all Black music professionals think that there are barriers to progression in the industry.
Read this next: The Haçienda like they always saw it: New photobook documents the iconic Manchester venue
Applicants for this scheme close on September 26. To find out more, visit the application website here.
Aneesa Ahmed is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter
Mixmag will use the information you provide to send you the Mixmag newsletter using Mailchimp as our marketing platform. You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us. By clicking sign me up you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.
