Call out to join Coventry's first ever Music Board - a City of Culture legacy

Representatives from Coventry’s music sector are being invited to apply to form the city’s first ever Music Board to help demonstrate the value of the music industry to the city and to ensure that the industry can rebuild after Covid and flourish beyond Coventry 2021.

Coventry has a vibrant and rich musical heritage, from being the birthplace of musical movements and genres, to significant artists and bands including 2 Tone, Delia Derbyshire, Panjabi MC, The Specials, The Selecter, the first legal rave in the UK, Hazel O’Connor, Jay1 and Pa Salieu. The city is home to a diverse music ecosystem of festivals, studios, community radio stations, labels, talented artists, promoters and technicians.

Coventry City of Culture Trust is supporting the creation of a Coventry Music Board, to build and utilise the strength of local networks and call for greater cohesion to further promote Coventry as a Music City. This move follows the publication of two recent reports; the Midlands Music Research and Consultation commissioned by Arts Council England, and the Coventry Music Sector Report by Sound Diplomacy commissioned by the Trust.

The board will be made up of individuals with a track record of leadership and those dedicated to using their knowledge and experience to support Coventry’s eclectic music sector. The board will represent the breadth of the industry, its musical genres, and the diverse demographic of the city.  It will seek to promote equity across gender, age, disability, LGBTQI+ and cultural heritage

Members can include musicians, music venue managers, community centres, promoters, music educators, labels, studios, technicians and publicists who live or work within a CV postcode.

Each member will be elected for a one-year term on a voluntary basis. The board will meet a minimum of six times per year (every two months). One member of the board shall be elected as Chair and one member as Vice Chair/Secretary. One member of the board will also be nominated as a representative on the West Midlands Music Board. Out of pocket expenses will be made available to board members.

Coventry City of Culture Trust will not be a board member but will support with a transparent recruitment process, initial coordination and ensuring that the board adheres to its Terms of Reference.

Jon Davis, Senior Producer at Coventry City of Culture Trust, said:

“Coventry is a Music City, a city which prides itself on its music heritage, musical movements, artists and a thriving music education service. Plus, two new music venues opening in the city this year HMV Empire and Drapers’ Hall.

“But despite boasting an array of talent, a supply chain and some infrastructure, the music sector in Coventry faces many similar challenges to cities across the UK, particularly given the impact of the pandemic.

“Coventry Music Board aims to support the music sector in Coventry by connecting industry professionals, music education and statutory organisations to work together to represent the music sector in Coventry and connect with other cities and regions to share best practise, information and talent exchange.

“It is also hoped to establish, promote and maintain a music-friendly city and maximise the opportunity and legacy of Coventry City of Culture 2021.”

Interested applicants should fill in the online application form or alternatively, submit a video application responding to each of the questions. This can be in English or British Sign Language. The closing date for applications is 6 September.

For more information or to apply, go to: https://coventry2021.co.uk/call-outs