Sony Music UK has named a number of new beneficiaries for the UK Social Justice Fund, part of the global Sony Music Group commitment to support communities and help address structural inequality for lasting change.
This latest round includes grants for Key4Life, Milk & Honey Bees, Bruce Grove Youth Space in Tottenham and a new scholarship at the Royal Academy of Music with mentorship from Sony Classical composer and pianist Alexis Ffrench (pictured).
These beneficiaries join others announced earlier this year including a multi-year partnership with the Young Urban Arts Foundation, with Sony/ATV UK, and the 3T (Tour Tech Training) course for black women in the live industry, created by RCA UK artist Nao in partnership with songwriter Mura Masa and Native Management.
Sony Music Group’s Social Justice Fund was created in June 2020 to tackle racial injustice in the wake of George Floyd’s killing and the global phenomenon of the Black Lives Matter movement.
The aim of the fund is to support social justice, equal rights and anti-racist initiatives around the world – with the first phase of UK funding focused on grassroots initiatives.
The beneficiaries were chosen by a diverse advisory board representing labels and divisions across Sony Music UK, from label presidents to members of Sony Music’s diversity, equity and inclusion committee, HUE (Helping Unite Everyone).
The co-chairs of the UK fund team are Damaris Rex-Taylor, Dorothy Hui, and Jessica Carsen. They are supported by Charlotte Edgeworth, a corporate social responsibility consultant specialising in grant-making.
The partnerships will launch formally in 2021 and funding for other initiatives will continue in further rounds.
“These organisations are at the heart of supporting some of the young people who most need access to ongoing development opportunities.”
Damaris Rex Taylor, Sony Music UK Social Justice Fund / RCA UK
Damaris Rex Taylor, Co-Chair of the Sony Music UK Social Justice Fund and Director of Marketing for RCA UK, said: “Within the first round we have chosen a broad range of organisations that we feel undertake critical work in communities, from education, to youth rehabilitation and supporting young Black women through Milk & Honey and Nao’s 3T course.
“These organisations are at the heart of supporting some of the young people who most need access to ongoing development opportunities.”
“We are delighted to partner with our artists to reach underrepresented young people wherever we can, and we’re looking forward to developing this new initiative with Alexis.”
Dorothy Hui, Sony Music UK Social Justice Fund / 4th Floor Creative
Dorothy Hui, Co-Chair of the fund and Senior Vice President of Digital & Audience Development for 4th Floor Creative, Sony Music UK’s central creative and strategy hub, said: “With the new Royal Academy of Music scholarship, we will contribute to improving diversity in classical music.
“We are delighted to partner with our artists to reach underrepresented young people wherever we can, and we’re looking forward to developing this new initiative with Alexis.”
“It is an honour to create a scholarship supporting and nurturing the talent of black students at the Royal Academy of Music in partnership with Sony Music UK.”
Alexis Ffrench, composer & pianist
Sony Classical composer & pianist Alexis Ffrench, said: “It is an honour to create a scholarship supporting and nurturing the talent of black students at the Royal Academy of Music in partnership with Sony Music UK.
“I was fortunate to study at this prestigious, world-leading conservatoire, and know first-hand the benefit that their teaching, resources and community has. I am proud to lend my name to this new scholarship and hope together we can reimagine new and inclusive pathways and possibilities for 21st Century musicianship.”
“Music helped me from a young age so I think it’s really important to help the next generation discover the joy and escape that music can provide.”
Headie One
Sony Music-signed rapper from Tottenham, Headie One, added: “The Bruce Grove Youth Space is a great project, I’m glad to see Sony Music support it.
“Music helped me from a young age so I think it’s really important to help the next generation discover the joy and escape that music can provide.”Music Business Worldwide
