Music:Leeds is a new development body for the region, a not-for-profit organization functioning as a single, centralised contact point for the music industry in Leeds. Supporting Leeds as a world-class city for culture, Music:Leeds will contribute to the city’s identity as a music hub, boost its international profile and attract visitors.

The organisation will coordinate activity in the Leeds music sector, whatever level, genre or point of involvement. Music:Leeds represents an opportunity for Leodians from all walks of life to access and engage with music.

Sam Nicholls, Music:Leeds director and Leeds Beckett University academic says:

“The opportunities in the city to bring together professionals, the education sector and performers from different genres is truly incredible; I believe it’s something that Leeds can be proud of.”

Providing a new level of support for those invested in the Leeds music scene through commercial and community pathways, Music:Leeds will create networking opportunities, targeted projects, music events, advice for individuals, local organisations and businesses, and provide funding from national funders and music industry bodies.

When asked about the project and Leeds Beckett’s commitment to music and the creative arts, Oliver Bray, acting Dean of the School of Film, Music & Performing Arts, said:

“Our ground-breaking research and practice in music is a huge part of what makes the creative arts so special at our university. Leeds Beckett acknowledges the fundamental importance of culture and the arts as the lifeblood of our local and global communities. Our £80m investment in a new creative arts building in the centre of Leeds, which contains within it cutting-edge music facilities, demonstrates the strength of our commitment. We are proud that initiatives and partnerships such as Live At Leeds, Unconference and UK Live Music Census has allowed our academic staff to play the lead role in establishing Music:Leeds, and we look forward to supporting the valuable research and development opportunities the organisation will provide in the future.”

Leeds will host the first of a series of City Music Forums on Tuesday 05 March at Leeds Town Hall, in coordination with Leeds City Council Arts, Venues and Events. The City Music Forum will support the direction of Music:Leeds activity, and provide the opportunity for all stakeholders in the Leeds music scene to have their say, offering feedback on important issues impacting the role and profile of music in the city. Attendees will be invited to propose items for discussion on the day. This event follows a successful Town Hall event in November 2017 which attracted speakers from across Europe.

“The establishment of Music:Leeds is an important step in promoting Leeds as a city of creators; a city which welcomes and nourishes talent and provides the necessary environment to learn, grow and develop in our thriving cultural and creative sector.

Music:Leeds has a real opportunity to capitalise on the talent and potential in the city to not only contribute to the city’s cultural narrative, identity and profile but to also ensure that Leeds.”

Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council.

Further Information

Find out more: musicleeds.com

Confirmed speakers for 2019s City Music Forum include:

  • Amy Lamé (Night Czar, London)
  • Dr Matthias Rauch (Head of Cultural Urban Development, Mannheim Germany)
  • Tom Riordan (Chief Executive Leeds City Council)
  • Ruth Pitt (Chair Leeds 2023)
  • Kath Davies (Creative Economy Manager, Kirklees Council)
  • Alan Miller (Chair, Night Time Industries Association)
  • Oli Morris (Director of Education & Skills, UK Music)
  • Claire Heap (Visitor Economy Manager, Visit Leeds)

You can find further details on speakers and register to attend the City Music Forum at: musicleeds.com/citymusicforum2019

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