Submissions are currently ongoing for the Studio Monkey Shoulder initiative celebrating innovative grassroots music communities.
The initiative, running in collaboration with celebrated DJ, broadcaster and record collector Gilles Peterson and his online radio station Worldwide FM, forms part of a vision to empower communities that challenge norms and share their stories with the world.
Anyone over the age of 25 representing a grassroots music community from India, the US, the UK, Nigeria and Taiwan can apply.
Studio Monkey Shoulder will allocate a £10, 000 fund to five music collectives for project implementation. Their stories will also be told through a series of films, events and radio broadcasts on Worldwide FM.
The organisers say the initiative, which targets spaces like independent record stores, live venues, and radio stations, will prioritise projects that “drive community connection and deliver unique creative output and convey passion for the project.”
Projects must challenge norms and share unique stories within the local music community.
“This is exactly why I started Worldwide FM radio and there are so many other incredible community-driven projects out there I want to uncover, which is what excites us about Studio Monkey Shoulder. We have no idea where this is going to take us but can’t wait to see and hear it”, said Peterson, whose imprint Brownswood Recordings is credited with elevating the careers of artists and groups like Kokoroko, Yussef Dayes, Swindle, and Joe-Armon Jones, among others.
Applications will be reviewed by Worldwide FM and Gilles Peterson. Priority will be given to projects that foster community connection and showcase creativity and passion. The submission window closes on 9 May, 2024.
Click here to learn more and apply.