BCU and MAC to take part in REFRAME project
Birmingham City University and Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) will partner with the Southbank Centre and Apple on REFRAME, a pioneering new talent development programme to support emerging Black and Black Mixed heritage creatives in London, Manchester and Birmingham.
The partnership, developed between the Southbank Centre and Apple and involving organisations across the UK, will help to address and remove the systemic barriers to career development Black creatives face in the arts and creative industries.
The programme launches with a one-year pilot project between March and August 2023 in partnership with arts venues Factory International, Manchester, Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Birmingham and Birmingham City University 's STEAMhouse.
It will reach 80 emerging Black creatives from low-income backgrounds as well as hundreds of secondary school children in 21 schools in London, Greater Manchester and Birmingham, and aims to supercharge digital creative skills and help young people reach new heights in their creative careers.
The Residency programme is open to 80 talented Black and Black Mixed heritage creatives (18-30-year-olds) who have less than two years ' experience in their chosen field of film, photography or music. There are 30 places available at the Southbank Centre, 25 at STEAMhouse and 25 at Factory International.
This free course runs for 14 days and consists of hands-on creative sessions as well as sessions led by Apple creative experts. Designed in consultation with leading employers, it will focus on equipping young creatives to use digital tools needed for the future and preparing them for the practicalities of a career in the arts.
For more information on The Residency and how to register click on the link here.
The second strand of the programme is Inspire Schools, where 21 secondary schools based in communities that are historically underserved by cultural organisations in London, Greater Manchester and Birmingham, will work with artists, graphic designers, illustrators and climate experts to design their own response to the climate emergency and its effect on them and their communities.
For more information on Inspire Schools and how to take part click on the link here. Registration for The Residency opens on Wednesday 1 February.
Alisha Johnson Wilder, director of Racial Justice Equity Initiative at Apple, said: "We 're thrilled that the Southbank Centre 's REFRAME program continues to take shape with the selection of new partners in London, Manchester and Birmingham.
“We believe the opportunities for young Black talent are boundless. This new program aims to unlock their extraordinary creative potential and will help them develop new skills that will benefit them well into the future. ”
Professor Julian Beer, deputy vice-chancellor Research, Innovation and Enterprise, added: "As part of Birmingham City University 's STEAMhouse we are thrilled to be a part of the REFRAME initiative which aligns perfectly with BCU values of inclusivity and diversity.
“This pioneering talent development programme will provide invaluable support and resources to emerging Black and Black Mixed heritage creatives from low-income backgrounds. ”
Pictured: STEAMhouse, part of Birmingham City University