By Emily Bull, Head of Creative.
Partnerships are hugely important. They bring together expertise, professionals and knowledge, whilst strengthening our programmes across the region for the young people we’re here to help.
We have made it a key priority to team up with other organisations that share our values, and we each bring our own skills, knowledge, and fresh ideas. By sharing what works best, we open even more opportunities for young people. Together, we're not just working side by side; we're also connecting communities with quality programs and creating bridges that help young people move smoothly from one opportunity to the next.
Nimbus Sounds is one of these partnerships. It is a three-year initiative funded by Youth Music which will help 2,500 young people aged 11 to 25 from underrepresented backgrounds in Bristol. It welcomes those experiencing barriers to progress their musical talent, enable personal growth, and nurture their musical potential.
Creative Youth Network, Basement Studios, Trinity Arts Centre and Aspiration Elevation Creation (ACE), work together to create a journey for young people, many of whom have limited access to music provision. It allows young people to create music in settings that they feel comfortable and no matter what their level of experience - from within their youth clubs, through to bespoke courses and even up to developing original tracks and progressing into professional music opportunities. In working together, young people receive the high-quality music provision they deserve but may not otherwise be able to access.
Good quality partnerships take work but they are worth it! This is what we have learned from our partnership working:
“We also feel working alongside our Nimbus Sounds partners has been very beneficial, elevating each of our organisations and setting a good example in our sector around partnership working. Being able to share knowledge, opportunities and insights has been extremely positive, and we look forward to seeing how our partnership's plans to implement further collaboration materialises in Year 2.” -Darren Alexander Lynch-Burton, AC
Nimbus Sounds is supported by Youth Music and using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.