Music / independent venues
Indie venue launches ‘groundbreaking’ promoter school
A pioneering new music industry programme will help early career promoters to develop their practice while simultaneously tackling a lack of diversity in the industry.
Independent music venue the Jam Jar, based in St Jude’s, has launched the initiative with money it received from Arts Council England‘s Supporting Grassroots Music fund.
The New School will provide paid, six-week project placements for five early career promoters.
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Participants will receive mentorship, guidance and resources as well as opportunities to ask questions at workshop sessions with industry professionals, and will be supported to organise an event under their own brand, fully paid for by the programme.
The Jam Jar is a 200 capacity venue that has become well known for its dynamic programme of world class acts from round the globe, as well as cutting edge electronic music and popular jam nights – photo: the Jam Jar
“The New School is about passing the torch – defogging industry practice and giving new promoters a clear path to building sustainable careers,” said Bristol promoter Adam Crawford, who is leading on the programme with Aysha Tailor-Whyte.
“We’ve designed this programme to be as real-world as it gets: hands-on sessions, industry panels, and live events where promoters put learning into practice. The New School celebrates the passion and graft of independent promoters while giving them the knowledge to succeed.”
Leading the programme with project manager Aysha Tailor-Whyte is Adam Crawford, aka the ASBO Disco, a longstanding DJ, producer and promoter – photo: Adam Crawford
A core aim of the programme is to tackle the music industry’s systemic lack of gender and ethnic diversity.
“We are looking for voices and visions that have been overlooked, under-supported or are just beginning to find their footing,” said Tailor-Whyte.
“The lack of diversity in off-stage roles is widely recognised across venues and the wider industry, yet meaningful change remains rare.
“It’s encouraging to see a grassroots venue taking real initiative to shift the landscape. The Jam Jar has a solid history of supporting underrepresented people in their careers and it’s refreshing to see such pure passion driving this project.”
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The Jam Jar has said this opportunity continues the work they have been doing to confront this pervasive industry issue, and marks a turning point in their commitment to placing education and opportunity at the heart of their programming.
“From our experience, the pool of promoters in Bristol lacks diversity,” said venue co-founder Hadie Abido. “We want our programme to champion diverse people from the offset.
“We want to use this opportunity to engage diverse, early career promoters to explore what is possible. I believe this is a pivotal moment that will shape the future late night programme and the Jam Jar.”
Apply for the New School at forms.gle/d3K3Zg9jxsgfVU369
Main image: Paul Lippiat
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