Brink Productions are a South Manchester based organisation, providing platforms and spaces that give young people the opportunity to express themselves within their communities.
They use a range of arts, media and dance activities to allow young people to do this in any way they feel comfortable, all for the purpose of building their confidence and showing young people in a positive light.
Brink successfully applied to our Stronger Communities Fund in 2022 for their “Terminology” project, which lasted for 5 months across January to May 2023. The Terminology project was a weekly music session aimed at young people regardless of musical ability, teaching them the art of DJing, music production and performance skills.
We funded the project with an award of £4,000 which went towards costs for room hire and bringing in professional DJs and producers to teach the children throughout the entirety of the programme. Local legends DJ Silva and Diemond ED were brought in to lead the DJ workshops and produce/record the lyrical content respectively.
Our grant meant Brink were able to offer free music activities to young people with no prior music ability or experience, enabling some participants to engage in music projects for the first time in their lives. Using a non-exclusionary open access approach gave these young people a safe space to be creative and build connections and confidence whilst developing skills in DJing and music production.
They’ve told us that the project went really well, and engaged an even larger number of participants than they initially thought. In total 28 young people from a variety of backgrounds benefitted from the sessions, coming from the areas of Hulme, Moss Side, Whalley Range and Moston.
The groups enjoyed being creative musically, picking up DJing really quickly and their natural talent really came to the fore. Brink tell us it was uplifting to see such a variety of young people with similar interests working together, supporting each other, in a setting where they may not have met otherwise. Brink tell us that many participants were happy for a safe space to meet and socialise rather than be on the street. Having positive role models in the form of professional DJs and producers leading the sessions really went a long way.
It’s been brilliant to hear that when participants had mastered the basics, they would then go out of their way to help those who were struggling and pass on their skills. The benefits to learning skills in a safe and supportive environment cannot be underestimated, and we’re delighted that our Stronger Communities Fund allowed Brink Productions to provide that opportunity to these young people. One young person has now developed confidence enough to continue seriously with his music after the project is over – maybe we’ll see him apply to our Rising Stars Fund soon!
A participant said:
“I’ve learnt to DJ, mix and set up sound equipment. The most I like about this club is mixing, setting up and downloading MP3s to play. I’ve come here to use the studio and be around creative people who can help and inspire me and my music. It keeps me out of trouble and off the roads. I’ve learnt to record people, write, how to develop my craft and learn the game.”
The We Love MCR Charity team send our warmest congratulations to Brink Productions on a successful outcome with funding from our Stronger Communities Fund, the pictures speak for themselves on how passionately the young people got stuck into the project!
