Bristol Music Foundation announces organisation changes

The launch of the new BMF Urban and the search for a new board of directors.

The Bristol Music Foundation was formed in 2005 by a group of like minded music industry professionals who recognised the lack of provision of support for music practitioners in Bristol and the South West, and the need for an organisation that would connect the local emerging music scene with regional, national, and international businesses, events, and programmes.

Since then the BMF has worked to support the development of music businesses and musicians in Bristol and the South West of England, has run regular industry conventions and training events, programmed showcases for South West music, and taken delegations from the region to events including SXSW in Austin, Texas. The BMF sits on regional and national cultural steering groups and represents music in regional and national strategy and cultural planning.

The BMF now has over 350 members working in music in Bristol and the South West each with an individual profile on the BMF website – www.bristolmusicfoundation.com

BMF New Board
The BMF is a not for profit company limited by guarantee with a board of 9 directors.

The original 9 directors remained on the board to represent the organisation since its creation in 2005, but have now recognised the need to find new individuals to create a new board to take the organisation forward.

To this end, 7 of the 9 directors recently stepped down, leaving the existing Chair and company Secretary.

The Chair of the BMF is now looking for a maximum number of 6 individuals to join a new board to take the organisation forward.

Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate a particular degree of knowledge of the music industry and / or the public sector, be well established in their field showing a particular level of success, and above all be able to demonstrate a necessary drive, dedication, commitment, and ambition to take the BMF into the future.

The current Chair will remain in post until a new board is created and the post of Chair can be voted on by the new BMF board and its members.

To Apply
If you would like more information about applying to become a Director then please contact Matt Booth at matt@bristolmusicfoundation.com

A new regional organisation for South West Music is also currently being developed by a network of industry professionals and organisations both in London and the South West. This new organisation will deliver on an agreed strategy by all regional music forums including the BMF.

Bristol Music Foundation Chair Matt Booth said, “The national deficit, government spending cuts, and the uncertainty surrounding the future of industry and consumer spending means the need for a social enterprise that can apply sound business sense coupled with experience, knowledge and a wide business network is considerable. It is essential that we look ahead to the entrepreneurs and successful artists of the future and strive to ensure an environment in which they can grow and those working now can survive. The existence of the ever expanding music business network in the South West developed through the BMF provides a unique and unparalleled opportunity to develop a new business model. To this end I would like to thank the directors of the BMF for their generosity in standing down not just to allow the BMF to explore new opportunities, new energy and a new direction led by new individuals but to provide an ongoing contribution to the organisation by continuing to support it and a new board within their own places of work. The BMF will input into a new regional organisation for music that will also soon be established. We have identified the need to provide real industry approved opportunities for grassroots music, and to begin to create a landscape that will benefit us all. I am excited about the potential we now have to bring new energy to the organisation and to music in the region, and for what the future holds”.

The BMF launched a strategy for South West music earlier this year and a new business plan outline will soon be published.

The strategy can be downloaded at www.bristolmusicfoundation.com/swmf and it will all be discussed at the Music South West convention to be held in Bristol on 24th and 25th November – www.msw2010.com

BMF Urban
The BMF has recognised the need for an industry specific provision of support for musicians, businesses and individuals working in urban music in Bristol and is pleased to announce the launch of ‘BMF Urban’.
Led by individuals currently working within the urban music environment both in Bristol, nationally and internationally BMF Urban will aim to provide a point of industry relevant support and engagement for practitioners in the city and connect with national and international businesses, organisations, events, and programmes.

BMF Urban will be launched at Music South West 2010 on 24th and 25th November with a concert featuring some of the best urban artists in Bristol to be held at Metropolis in Bristol on 25th.

Gerard Cantwell from D Style and manager of artists including Roni Size said, “Having been involved with the BMF, I am really excited about now being part of the new BMF Urban and the exciting opportunities we will now be able to provide to musicians and music businesses working in urban music in the city. There is a thriving scene of talented underground producers, vocalists and mc’s who hopefully with our help can reach their dreams and goals."

Sadia Akhtar from Ujima Radio said, “I am really excited about the new BMF Urban and what it can offer to the great range of urban talent in Bristol. I am really proud of the fact that a lot of musicians are doing it off their own backs, and I believe BMf Urban will help these young artists to take their careers to the next level. BMf Urban will help them get the exposure that they need and invaluable industry contacts and advice. I am delighted to be involved at the start.”

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