Toronto Non-Profit Launches Groundbreaking Program to Empower Black Canadian Music Managers
A pioneering initiative aimed at elevating Black Canadian artist managers in the industry has been launched by Toronto-based non-profit Breaking Down Racial Barriers (BDRB). The eight-week F.A.M.E. (Foundations Acceleration for Management Excellence) program, running from October 14 to December 4, promises to equip participants with the skills, networks, and confidence needed to take their management businesses global.
According to Billboard, the program is designed to strengthen capacity, leadership, and sustainability for Black music managers through intensive training, mentorship, and industry access. Led by music manager Katrina Lopes, F.A.M.E. includes weekly Zoom workshops with management industry leaders, one-on-one mentorship, and networking sessions with senior music executives.
The initiative is a response to the underrepresentation of Black Canadians in the music industry's leadership positions. "We're excited to launch this program, which will provide opportunities for Black-identifying music leaders to develop their skills and connect with industry professionals," said Heather Taylor-Singh, founder of BDRB, according to Billboard.
F.A.M.E. is a collaborative effort between BDRB and the music management community. "We're proud to partner with Breaking Down Racial Barriers on this groundbreaking initiative," said Katrina Lopes, program lead. "Our goal is to empower Black Canadian artist managers to succeed in the industry and pave the way for a new generation of music leaders."
The eight-week program will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the music management industry, including business operations, marketing strategies, and networking techniques. According to BDRB, the initiative aims to equip participants with the skills needed to take their management businesses global.
F.A.M.E. is part of a broader effort to address the systemic barriers faced by Black Canadians in the music industry. "We're committed to creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in the music industry," said Taylor-Singh. "This program is just one step towards achieving that goal."
The launch of F.A.M.E. has been met with enthusiasm from the music industry, with many praising the initiative's potential to create positive change. "F.A.M.E. is a game-changer for Black Canadian artist managers," said Lopes. "We're excited to see the impact this program will have on the industry."
As F.A.M.E. gets underway, participants are eager to learn and grow. "I'm looking forward to gaining new skills and connections through this program," said one participant. "I believe it will be a game-changer for my career as an artist manager."
The success of F.A.M.E. will depend on the support of industry professionals, sponsors, and participants. BDRB is seeking donations and partnerships to ensure the program's continued growth and impact.
In conclusion, the launch of F.A.M.E. marks a significant step towards addressing the underrepresentation of Black Canadians in the music industry's leadership positions. With its comprehensive training, mentorship, and industry access, this groundbreaking initiative has the potential to create positive change and pave the way for a new generation of music leaders in Canada.
This story was compiled from reports by Billboard and Billboard.
