The Forum Music Studios in Darlington has been awarded funding by Arts Council England recently which will be used to launch Young Blood – a creative music scheme aimed at 13 – 24 year olds, with applications now open to take part in Young Blood.
The Forum Music Studios not-for-profit community benefit society has designed the Young Blood programme to ensure young people have access and opportunities to engage and invest in the development of the live music sector. Young Blood will be held throughout 2024, and is split into three interconnected parts: Creators, Promoters and Live.
Young Blood Music Creators is a weekly session aimed at those 13 – 17 years old. During the sessions, the young creators will develop their music skills in a relaxed and creative environment, where they will have access to high quality resources and professional support.
The Young Blood Promoters programme, which begins in January 2024, has been designed for those aged 16 – 24 years old, and will give aspiring promoters the opportunity to organise a live event with a budget under guidance from mentors, including industry professionals.
The Creators and Promoters programmes culminate in Young Blood Live, a monthly gig night for teenagers (aimed at those 13 – 17 years old) that will be held at The Forum Music Centre.
“The music industry was heavily impacted by COVID-19, so it’s a privilege to be able to invite future generations to get involved in the Young Blood scheme and to be able to share their passion for live music.”
Alison McKay, Director of The Forum Music Studios
“This is an exciting new project that I hope will inspire future musicians and promoters. Thank you to Arts Council England for believing in and supporting our vision.”
Kirsten Yates, Creative Project Leader of Young Blood
Applications for Young Blood – Creators and Young Blood – Promoters are now available online. The deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday 31st December 2023. To find out more about Young Blood or to apply, visit The Forum Music Studios website (https://theforumonline.co.uk/young-blood/).
Darlington Borough Council has also offered Heritage & Culture fund (Creative Darlington) budget support to Young Blood, given it offers young people opportunities to gain real world experience in coordinating and promoting events for their peers with support from The Forum Music Studios, offers opportunities for young people to enjoy live music in the borough, and delivers on one of the five priorities in Darlington Cultural Strategy 2022 – 2026 ‘for Darlington to champion engagement with culture, particularly amongst children and young people’.
