Musical talent nurtured through £30,000 project

Aspiring musicians in Wolverhampton will be able to get help from industry experts to develop their skills thanks to a £30,000 grant.

The Road2Release project at Wolverhampton Art Gallery first ran for a week in October with local grime artist Reepa.

It has since been extended for six weeks with three groups across the year to offer more in-depth support for under 25s.

The funding from the Youth Music aims to "support projects that trial new ways of working, sustain grassroots programmes, or disrupt the status quo", the city council said.

Participants will gain access to music industry experts and hands-on experience in a professional setting as well as paid opportunities to develop and showcase their skills, said charity Youth Music, which helps marginalised young people to make and monetise music.

The programme was set up to nurture local talent and "reimagines the role that museums and galleries can play in supporting the music industry," a spokesperson added.

Councillor Chris Burden, cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills at Wolverhampton City Council, said they were "thrilled" to receive the funding.

"This initiative is a testament to our commitment to nurturing young talent and providing them with the resources and opportunities to thrive in the music industry," he said.

"By partnering with local artists like Reepa, we are creating a vibrant, supportive environment where emerging musicians can connect, learn, and grow.

"This project not only enriches our community but also empowers our young people to pursue their passions and build successful careers in music."

Last summer the grime artist wrote a visual love letter paying homage to his home city of Wolverhampton to show people "the pride I have for our community, for our people".

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