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Kirklees Year of Music 2023
Music Cities Forum
14 November 2023, Smile and Bar Venue, Huddersfield, UK

As part of the Music Industry strand of Kirklees Year of Music 2023 (KYOM23), the district hosted the Kirklees Music Cities Forum alongside Music Cities Events.

The forum explored the theme “A Community that Lives and Loves Music” and takes place on November 14 2023 at Smile Bar and Venue in Huddersfield.

The Kirklees Music Cities Forum was an event that aimed to brings together creative people from all aspects of the Kirklees music scene & networks, local, national and international experts, industry professionals and funders to explore the role and impact that music has on a place, people and career choices. 

To kick off, the event gave a brief overview of the activities of the Music Industry programme for Year of Music, including hosting the Kirklees Music Ecosystem Network, the PLATFORM programme and more.

Event Gallery

Speakers

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Related News

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Event Schedule

15.30 - 16.00 - Registration with coffee and snacks

16.00 - 16.10 - Official Welcome

Master of Ceremony: Nigel Cudjo, Owner, Saving Grace Music (GBR)

16.10 - 16.30 - ​Kirklees Year Of Music 2023 - A Vision For Change 

Tom Brennan & Sarah Hutton, Music Industry Coordination, Kirklees Year of Music (Kirklees, GBR)

Kirklees is a district of world class music that stands proud on its rich and diverse musical heritage. Music is the beat of our heart, it is the sound of our communities, and it is the pulse of our towns and villages. Kirklees is a place where everyone can hear world class music through our festivals and programming; where children and young people have access to high quality musical experiences and education; and where the next generation of musicians and music professionals can build and sustain a high-quality career, with access to the very best industry advice, career opportunities and performance routes. 2023 will be a year where this vision comes to life, where residents are able to enjoy the richness and diversity of music today, inclusive of all genres, all communities and in all forms. Our Year of Music will give opportunity and space to encounter new and traditional music, where you will be invited to be part of a community that lives and loves music.

16.30 - 16.50 - ​Support Available

Jay Auty, Musicians Engagement Team, Help Musicians (London, GBR)

Kirklees is a district of world class music that stands proud on its rich and diverse musical heritage. Music is the beat of our heart, it is the sound of our communities, and it is the pulse of our towns and villages. Kirklees is a place where everyone can hear world class music through our festivals and programming; where children and young people have access to high quality musical experiences and education; and where the next generation of musicians and music professionals can build and sustain a high-quality career, with access to the very best industry advice, career opportunities and performance routes. 2023 will be a year where this vision comes to life, where residents are able to enjoy the richness and diversity of music today, inclusive of all genres, all communities and in all forms. Our Year of Music will give opportunity and space to encounter new and traditional music, where you will be invited to be part of a community that lives and loves music.

16.50 - 17.30 - ​Break for exhibitor exploration

​Exhibitors:

  1. Arts Council England

  2. Business & Skills Team - University of Huddersfield 

  3. Employment and Skill Team - University of Huddersfield

  4. The Enterprise Team - University of Huddersfield

  5. Musicians Union

  6. Help Musicians

In this section of the Kirklees Year of Music 2023 Music Cities Forum there will be multiple stands for organisations and companies to provide relevant support for musicians in Kirklees. The vendors range from local, regional and national scopes, that can help musicians sustain and develop their musical careers.

17.30 - 18.15 - ​Using Music To Revitalise The City: Affordability and Accessibility In The Music Ecosystem

Moderator: Sandra Perens, Events Manager, Momentual (EST)

Bubba O’Keefe, Executive Director, Visit Clarksdale (Clarksdale, USA)

Danny West, Head of Publishing/A&R, Come Play With Me (Leeds, GBR)

Nikki Rigon, Head of Programme, Punch Records (Birmingham, GBR) 

In the vibrant world of urban culture and city life, music plays a crucial role in shaping the identity and atmosphere of a community. This panel discussion delves into the intersection of music, affordability, and accessibility within the city environment, exploring how these factors can be harnessed to rejuvenate and enrich the urban landscape from the perspective of regional and international actors.

18.15 - 18.35 - ​Being small is no obstacle

Merlijn Poolman, Night Mayor, City of Groningen (Groningen, NLD)

Groningen's transformation into a music city's leader is the result of a combination of factors and initiatives that have been strategically developed over the years. Its music scene is a vibrant and diverse cultural landscape that has gained national and international recognition. The city's music culture is deeply ingrained in its identity and has been nurtured over the years through various initiatives and events. In this presentation, Groningen’s night mayor will talk about Groningen’s music scene and how it managed to develop one of the most important music conferences in Europe, Eurosonic Noorderslag.

18.35 - 19.05 - ​Make It In Kirklees

Moderator: Giles Bidder, Host & Producer, 101 Part Time Jobs (London, GBR)


Jo Warmington, Head of Development, Reform Radio (Manchester, GBR)
 

Kevin McManus, Head of UNESCO City of Music, City of Liverpool (Liverpool, GBR)
 

Marvo O´Brien-Morgan, Vice President, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Association of Music Professionals (Kingstown, VCT) 

 

Jonathan Mayes, Head of Strategic Partnerships & Impact, Clore Leadership (London, GBR)

This panel discussion revolves around the challenges and opportunities faced by musicians and aspiring artists in the Kirklees area. Kirklees is a region with immense musical talent, in this panel will explore strategies and initiatives that can be implemented to encourage local artists and musicians to stay in Kirklees and develop their music careers within the region.

19.05 - 20.00 - ​What Next?

Workshop lead: Samuel Nichols, Director, Music Local (Yorkshire, GBR)

This group discussion session aims to gather musicians, industry professionals, and enthusiasts to explore the evolving landscape of their local music scene. This dynamic exchange will delve into the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of the local music industry, with a focus on fostering growth, innovation, and sustainability.

20.00 - 20.15 - Closing Remarks

Master of Ceremony: Nigel Cudjo, Owner, Saving Grace Music (GBR)

20.15 - Live Show by Fishing4Compliments - top PLATFORM runner up

*Times, topics, and format of the schedule may be modified by the organisers without previous notice.

Host Organisations

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Exhibitors

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