Open call: She:Music development programme

Applications opened on 16 June 2026 for the programme, which will select a cohort of 10 emerging artists, musicians and aspiring sound engineers from Birmingham and the West Midlands.

According to B, the programme was established to address challenges faced by women and gender-marginalised creatives, including limited access to opportunities, underrepresentation in technical and leadership roles, financial insecurity and a lack of professional support networks.

Participants will receive mentoring, training, studio experience, networking opportunities and performance platforms designed to support long-term career development.

Eligibility

Applications are open to:

• Femme-identifying musicians, artists, producers and aspiring sound engineers.
• Individuals aged 18 and over.
• Creatives based in Birmingham and the West Midlands.
• Emerging artists and professionals at any stage of their careers.
• Individuals facing barriers to progression within the music industry.

She:Music said it particularly encourages applications from:

• Black and Global Majority creatives.
• Disabled creatives.
• LGBTQ+ creatives.
• Working-class creatives.
• Self-taught musicians and sound engineers.
• Formal qualifications are not required.

Programme benefits

Selected participants will have access to:

• Professional Development
• One-to-one mentoring from music industry professionals.
• Career coaching and development planning.
• Industry workshops and roundtable discussions.
• Networking opportunities with artists and organisations.
• Creative Development
• Collaborative recording sessions.
• Access to professional recording studios.
• Opportunities to work with artists and producers.
• Rehearsal support for live performances.
• Performance Opportunities
• Public showcases and live performances.
• Opportunities to perform within B events and programmes.
• Industry networking events.
• Industry Training

Topics covered may include:

• Freelance careers in music.
• Music funding and grant opportunities.
• Public relations and marketing.
• Touring and live performance.
• Publishing and royalties.
• Music production and sound engineering.
• Leadership and confidence-building.

Programme timeline

• The programme is scheduled to run between July 2026 and February 2027.

Key dates include:

• 17 July 2026 – Cohort induction and open mic event.
• August 2026 – Mentoring and studio development.
• September to October 2026 – Performance preparation and collaborations.
• October 2026 – Public showcase performances.
• November 2026 – Industry workshops and networking events.
• December 2026 – Planning and partnership development for the next programme cycle.
• January to February 2027 – Additional workshops and networking sessions.

Core programme sessions are scheduled for:

• 17 July 2026
• 14 September 2026
• 12 October 2026
• 25 October 2026
• 2 December 2026
• 9 December 2026
• 18 January 2027
• 9 February 2027

Participant commitments

• Successful applicants will be expected to:
• Attend core programme sessions.
• Participate actively in mentoring and workshops.
• Collaborate with fellow participants.
• Work towards agreed professional development goals.
• Uphold programme values relating to inclusivity and safety.

Safeguarding and Inclusion

She:Music said the programme is committed to creating safe and inclusive creative spaces and will operate under safeguarding and equality policies throughout all programme activities.

The organisation added that the initiative promotes anti-discriminatory practice, accessibility, wellbeing and respectful collaboration.

Applications are currently open through the She application portal.

View the original call here.

Disclaimer: Opportunities published on this platform are provided by external organisers. While we aim to share accurate and current calls, Music In Africa is not responsible for the organisation, management or delivery of any related events or programmes.