MIAConnects to support music sectors affected by conflict

Titled Music In Africa Connects (MIAConnects), the multifaceted initiative will see the Foundation working with partners to implement various music development projects in seven focus countries, namely Chad, Mali, Niger, Nigeria (North), Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan.

The broad objectives of the project are to connect music professionals in the focus countries with viable opportunities, to enhance the creative potential of the music sectors, to promote the production of marketable musical works and to foster the sharing of knowledge and transfer of skills.

To achieve this, MIAConnects will support artists financially to exchange and tour, offer training and upskilling workshops, create platforms to discover and promote new talent, and conduct research in the focus sectors. The project will run for two years, from 2017 to 2018.

Training and upskilling programmes

Training workshops will be done with the aim to further develop the skills of music practitioners in the focus countries including, but not limited to, musicians, music managers, event organisers and sound engineers. Project partners will design and implement workshops based on the needs identified in their counties. Four countries will host these workshops in 2017, namely Chad, Mali, Somalia and Sudan.

Artist exchange and mobility

MIAConnects will provide musicians with financial support to exchange and tour in their own countries, regionally and internationally (Europe), provided that such activities do not compromise the safety of the participants. This support will be available to musicians in seven countries: Chad, Mali, Niger, Northern Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan.

The call for applications and further requirements will be published on musicinafrica.net in August 2017.

Research

In line with the Foundation’s mission to provide reliable information about the sector, MIAConnects will conduct in-depth research in the participating countries with a view to highlight not only challenges but opportunities that exist for music professionals. Topics will cover areas such as the effects of conflict on the music sectors, efforts being made towards reigniting the music industries, music as a social and political catalyst, success stories, new music, and prospects.

If you are a music journalist or researcher and you are interested to contribute, see how to apply here.

Talent discovery

This part of the project aims to facilitate the discovery of emerging talent in five countries (Chad, Mali, Somalia, Sudan and Northern Nigeria). This will be mainly achieved through live performances. The Foundation will use its platforms and networks to promote and provide more opportunities to participants.

For more information and updates:

• Visit the MIAConnects page regularly.
• Join our mailing list to receive MIAConnects correspondence via email.

As the unifying point for MIAConnects, www.musicinafrica.net will serve not only as the host and distributor of content but as a central online platform where interest groups will apply for participation and receive project updates.