Accelerator Programme for Music Managers to return in 2020

15 September 2019 - Press release

 

• YouTube Music confirm support for the Music Managers Forum's groundbreaking grants and educational initiative 

• Applications to open on October 15th 2019

• 24 music managers across England and Scotland are already benefitting from the programme

 

 

The Music Managers Forum (MMF) and YouTube Music are delighted to announce that the groundbreaking Accelerator Programme for Music Managers will return in 2020, with applications opening on October 15th.

Full details will be published soon at www.themmf.net/accelerator 

The initiative is the world's first independent funding and professional development programme designed solely for artist, songwriter and producer managers. Accelerator aims to increase the number of sustainable full-time management businesses, empowering them to work with a greater range of creative talent. 

Offering a combination of financial and educational support - including 12-month grants of up to £15,000 - Accelerator is already benefitting 24 upcoming managers across England and Scotland, between them representing more than 60 clients including Poppy Ajudha, IDER, Murkage Dave, Moses Boyd, Be Charlotte, Voyager, Shabaka Hutchings, Effie and LYRA. 

With additional backing from Arts Council England and the Scottish Music Industry Association, participants on 2019's programme have also benefitted from more than 80 hours of manager-specific education courses, including guest speakers and sessions delivered by business support partners including Music Ally, CMU Insights, Harbottle & Lewis, Sheridans, Simkins, Simons Muirhead & Burton, Music Insurance Brokers and SRLV. They will enjoy a two-day leadership retreat in December 2019. 

MMF aims to confirm and expand 2019's partnerships before the programme returns. 

Consulting partners for Accelerator include Urban Development, Small Green Shoots, I Luv Live and Generator, while the programme has been managed by Paul Bonham in a secondment from his current position as Arts Council England's Relationship Manager, Diversity and Culture.

Fiona McGugan, MMF's Strategy & Operations Director said:
"MMF are absolutely thrilled that YouTube Music recognise the importance of Accelerator and that the programme will return next year. It has already offered a career-changing experience for 24 upcoming music managers, and we look forward to sharing some of the impact data and successes in time for the opening of 2020 applications on October 15th."

Roz Mansfield, YouTube Music Artist Partnerships Manager said: 
"As well as supporting the next wave of British talent, we also want to support the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make the industry function, grow and succeed. We at YouTube Music are so proud to be a sponsor of MMF and their Accelerator Programme and look forward to seeing what these talented managers go on to do next."