Spotlight – professional development for musicians with lived experience of forced migration

From October to July 2025, Band on the Wall and CAN have opportunities for free masterclasses and paid performances, for solo musicians and bands who have experienced forced migration, displacement or the asylum process.

Spotlight, developed by Band on the Wall and Community Arts North West (CAN), is a series of FREE masterclasses and PAID performances for Greater Manchester-based solo musicians and bands, who perform music inspired by their cultural heritage.

The opportunity is for people who have lived experience of forced migration, displacement, or the asylum process.

The project runs from October 2024 to July 2025.

Masterclasses will take place on Monday evenings from October 2024, with paid performances in the Spring and Summer of 2025.

Spotlight offers a paid commission to create new music, the opportunity to record a demo in a professional studio, and promotional photography and video.

Click here to read the Spotlight Professional Development Brief

Spotlight is part of the World of Song programme developed by Band on the Wall and CAN which is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

For more information:

Contact: Katherine@comartsnw.org.uk or phone / WhatsApp 07533 568672

There is an online Information Session on Wednesday 25 September at 5pm – 6pm. Email or message Katherine for details.

Deadline for applications: Monday 30 September

Auditions: Monday 7 October / Monday 14 October

Funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund

CAN core funders: Arts Council England and Manchester City Council.

Photos: Shirlaine Forrest. 

CAN is supported by