Keeling Curve

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Project Summary / Description:

Making Tracks (MT) was born out of the need to focus energy and resources into making an effective UK touring model for world-class, diverse music from around the globe. Between 2010 and 2018, MT consisted of an annual season of four tours, delivered to venue partners committing to the whole season, creating a coherent programme with national reach and local profile. To date, we‚ ve organised 31 tours and 327 concerts, featuring 147 musicians from 42 countries. Our events awaken curiosity and deepen understanding of the world through music. Last year, MT was relaunched and rebranded around a new environmentally-focused model.

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Our 10-day residency contributes to the professional development of Making Tracks Fellows, with an emphasis on young music professionals and women in music. Last year we featured five women and three men within the line-up of eight. We will always programme a majority of female musicians because we want to address the gender imbalance within the music industry. 

We want as many musicians as possible to apply to take part in MT, regardless of their financial situation. That's why we are an 'all expenses paid' project, which also provides selected musicians with a stipend of ¬£1000. Those selected also benefit from significant professional development, allowing them to grow their careers in an environmentally-conscious way. As part of the residency, we offer expert-led classes, workshops and masterclasses on a wide range of subjects, including music copyright, business planning and how to navigate the constantly changing digital landscape. 

Making Tracks Fellows are introduced to a wide range of industry professionals and enter into a growing network of adventurous musicians and change-makers around the globe. They also become part of the MT network, made up of Making Tracks Alumni. We aspire to be a close-knit organisation where Fellows become Alumni and some Alumni become staff. Through this process, we enable former participants like Luna Cottis and Kaviraj Singh to develop new professional skills and increase their employability in the music industry. 

Finally, our public concerts aim to be as affordable as possible (the average ticket price is around ¬£12.50), while our free community workshops bring MT out of venues and into local communities, reaching young people from all socio-economic backgrounds, many of whom would be unlikely to have the opportunity to attend our concerts.

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