Trans_Formation: Power in Community - an intentional, dedicated space for Trans and Non-Binary music makers led by I. JORDAN
Leading music organisations Brighter Sound and Generator have teamed up with DJ and
producer I. JORDAN to facilitate a creative space for Trans and Non-Binary music makers
from across the North of England.
Applications are now open for the project, which will take place over 6 days at the end of
January 2023. The selected group will work with I. JORDAN, known for their palette of raw and emotive club music, alongside guest artists Ifeoluwa and TAAHLIAH.
Throughout the week the chosen artists will collaborate to produce and perform brand new music at Star & Shadow, an inclusive venue in Newcastle. On day six, they’ll travel to
Manchester for a final performance at TRANUARY - a new day to night festival by trans for
trans, platforming the best in trans talent from across the UK.
Priority will be given to people from or based in the North of England (North East, North West and Yorkshire regions) and the organisations are particularly keen to hear from marginalised intersectional communities including Black, South Asian and ethnically diverse people and people with lived experience of disability.
This project is part of Brighter Sound’s mission to make music more accessible, equal and diverse, and follows the launch of All Things Equal - their Manifesto for Gender Equality in Music which was released on International Women’s Day in March 2022.
I. JORDAN said, “This will be an opportunity to support, nurture and grow our creativity and create something unique in a space that is ours. Trans and queer spaces are powerful and transformative, but there are not enough dedicated spaces that specifically allow artists to just create. We will be using the power of community to harness our creativity. I can’t wait to see what we make together.”
Brighter Sound’s Head of Programmes Kate Lowes said, “Throughout our 22-year history we’ve been pushing the boundaries of music projects, working in alternative spaces to support people who are underrepresented in music. Following 7 years of work at the forefront of gender equality this feels like an exciting and important next step in
breaking down barriers and creating more space for people of marginalised genders. Our residencies create a space where artists can feel free to create work that might have previously been considered ‘unsafe’ or outside of social convention. We’re delighted to be collaborating with Generator and I. JORDAN to open up new conversations, and support personal growth and creative exploration.”
Generator’s Head of Creative Development Helen Walkinshaw said, “Generator are thrilled to be partnering with I. JORDAN and Brighter Sound to deliver this much
needed and eagerly anticipated programme. As a team, personal experience and passion has been poured into the planning and preparation of ‘Trans_Formation: Power in Community’ to shape a programme that is valuable, nurturing and relevant. It has been a joy working with I.JORDAN, their insight and knowledge is invaluable, and their enthusiasm is infectious. Having them steer the collaboration and lead the cohort will undoubtedly produce unparalleled results.”
The deadline for interested artists to apply is 11pm on Monday 12 December, with more
information available on Brighter Sound’s website.
More Information
Trans_Formation: Power in Community is presented by Brighter Sound and Generator, in
partnership with TRANUARY. Supported by Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and PRS Foundation as a Talent Development Partner, supported by PPL.
Brighter Sound
Brighter Sound is a music development organisation based in Manchester. Working across the North and internationally, they produce pioneering residencies, commissions, training programmes and events to support, inspire and platform artists and music professionals at all career levels. Equalising opportunity is part of their DNA, and with every step they work towards a fairer and more sustainable music world. Brighter Sound are specialists in gender equality in music, and have been providing dedicated support to women and people of marginalised genders in the classroom, the boardroom, onstage and backstage since 2013.
Generator
Formed in 1991 and based in Byker, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Generator is the leading creative talent development agency and an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation. The organisation delivers a year-round programme of activity ranging from fully funded courses to one off workshops, seminars and networking events as well as a major music festival which over the years has provided a platform for chart-topping artists including Sam Fender, DuBlonde, Lanterns on the Lake and Nadine Shah. Headed by CEO Mick Ross, Generator’s core team are supported by its leadership board and youth advisory board as well as a number of freelancers and facilitators drawn from across the industry. Generator’s work is generously funded by North of Tyne Combined Authority, Arts Council England, PRS & PPL Foundation, Youth Music, Community Foundation and the European Union Regional Development Fund. Generator is signed up to the Keychange pledge ensuring access for all across its programmes and is a living wage employer.
Tranuary CIC
Tranuary is a North West based community events organisation, centred around a day-to-night festival in January, with a mission to celebrate and support the Trans and Nonbinary community of the UK. Run by and for the Trans community, TRANUARY creates radically inclusive spaces which actively promote the work of Trans artists, writers, DJs, activists and performance makers, while providing safe spaces for attendees to develop both creatively, personally, and as a community.