Published
Wed, Jan 27, 2021, 13:30
- The project was shaped by 80 Black music professionals.
PRS Foundation has set up a long-term initiative to tackle anti-Black racism in music.
Power Up, which was created with the help of 80 Black music professionals, is split into two projects: Power Up Participant Programme and Power Up Movement. The former will endorse 40 Black applicants—20 creators and 20 executives and industry professionals—per year with grants of up to £15,000, plus mentorship and access to industry-wide support. Applications will open soon.
Power Up Movement, run in collaboration with the Black Music Coalition, will focus more behind the scenes, setting targets and applying pressure to influence policy and ensure greater representation and opportunity for Black people.
"Rather than finger point and fight the industry, I wanted to be able to work with, help, encourage and guide the industry into a more inclusive, representative and equitable music industry," says Power Up cofounder Ben Wynter. "This is why industry participation in Power Up is so important."
Power Up is run by PRS Foundation in partnership with YouTube Music, Beggars Group and the Black Music Coalition. Ambassadors include DJ Target, Kano and singer-songwriter Sabrina Washington.
Watch a video about the initiative, and find out more here.
Photo credit: Lechon Kirb