A Bristol college is teaming up with Spotify to “accelerate diversity” in music education and the creative industries.
The BIMM Institute and Spotify Educational Partnership will offer fully funded degree scholarships, including a diversity and Inclusion scheme, for the 2022-2023 academic year.
The partnership includes masterclass events; mentoring opportunities with Spotify executives; and educational resources created by Spotify, shared with students as part of their studies.
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The diversity programme is for people from underrepresented groups including black, Asian and minority ethnic students; disabled students; care leavers; mature-age students; and those with a background of low participation in higher education, with a household income below £25,000.
Hannah Phipps, BIMM Bristol College principal, said the inclusion scholarship would open “many doors” for future students.
“We believe the best way to learn about the creative industries is to actually work in the creative industries, and our new partnership with Spotify will help so many students in achieving this,” she said.
Bryan Johnson, head of artist and industry partnerships international at Spotify, will be hosting mentoring sessions as part of the scheme. He said he hoped the partnership would “upskill people” looking at a career in the creative industries.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with an educational institute as well respected and successful as BIMM,” he said. “The exceptional work they do for the music industry is unparalleled."
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Mr Johnson added: “Our culture at Spotify is founded on diversity and belonging, and we hope that this partnership can continue to ensure that a broad spectrum of minds shape the future of our industry.”
BIMM Institute is one of Europe’s largest music education providers and its Bristol alumni includes hit-maker George Ezra; punk band IDLES; and rising stars Mercy Sotire and Keir.
In November, the college unveiled plans to move into a new flagship building in 2022. Planning permission for a four-storey space has already been granted, with work on the facility starting last month.
The new building will replace BIMM’s current base at number one Passage Street, which BusinessLive’s sister site BristolLive reported could be set to be redeveloped into a new 13-storey office block.
Applicants for the diversity and inclusion scholarships need to first apply for a BIMM course in the standard way through its website. The first UCAS deadline is January 26.
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