Mercury Music Prize winners launch initiative for young Black women

London jazz quintet Ezra Collective has announced a new initiative to help young Black women gain backstage experience in the music industry.

The winners of the 2023 Mercury Music Prize have launched their Future Foundation scheme in partnership with Youth Music and Arts Council England.

It will offer training, mentorship and work experience to young Black women looking to make their first steps into backstage careers in the music industry.

Areas covered include artist and tour management, live sound, technician roles, and band leadership.

Future Foundation is open to Black women who are over the age of 18, and able to commit to 10 days of work between 15-25 May 2025.

Applications are through the group’s charity foundation, Ezra Collective Foundation. The deadline for applications is 11 April.