November 2022 - Manchester Jazz Festival

manchester jazz festival is delighted to share news of our successful bid for ongoing Arts Council England funding for a further three years, as part of the new NPO portfolio.

This funding means we can support and deliver:

Artists, audiences and the creative sector to deliver our annual festivals
New commissions
Our cherished artist development programmes for creatives across the north of England
The curation of an inspiring new festival hub
The evolution of our international partnerships

Here’s what our Artistic Director & CEO Steve Mead has to say on this welcomed news, “We’re incredibly grateful for ACE’s continued investment and confidence in our vision. We can’t wait to get started on the next stage in mjf’s development, working up to 2025-6: mjf’s 30th anniversary year. It’s also a humbling recognition of the work we do behind the scenes to nurture artists’ careers and creativity, and to offer festival audiences new music experiences they simply can’t get elsewhere.”

“I’d also like to take the opportunity to recognise the valued achievements of peers who weren’t so lucky with this funding round. We are all connected in the jazz and wider music sector, and mjf will continue to work in partnership with a wide range of collaborators, for our mutual growth and audience engagement.”

Arts Council England Chief Executive, Darren Henley, said: “Together, each of the 990 organisations that have been offered funding today will contribute to a portfolio that is rich, varied and truly national. This is our widest ever spread of investment across the country, ensuring that many more people will have access to a wider choice of exceptional art, culture and creative opportunities on their doorsteps. We are in tough times but we must remember creativity brings with it extraordinary dividends, boosting our country’s economic growth, creating jobs, bringing communities closer together, and making us happier as individuals. Everyone deserves to enjoy the benefits it brings, and with this investment, we believe we’ve taken a decisive step towards making that vision a reality.”

What are the data headlines for Arts Council England?

£446 million per annum of investment to bring art, culture, and creativity to more people, in more places, across the country
990 organisations will receive a share of £446 million investment, including 276 new organisations of all shapes and sizes
Each year, Arts Council England are investing £43.5 million in Levelling Up for Culture Places across the country

See more on Arts Council England’s 2023-26 Investment Programme on their website: www.artscouncil.org.uk/investment23

Soundcheck is now in its third year and we are once again opening our doors to the best young Jazz Musicians. Click HERE to learn more about each as well as the programme itself.

On the 23rd October, our 10 soundcheck artists gathered at The Met, Bury to work on their pieces for the programme. The day ran from 3-10, testing the soundcheckers’ stamina, stealth & skill. In groups of three, each had a designated 2 hours with Ed Kainyek & his talented band to practise, improvise &…JAM! For some this was their first time performing with a full band and we were so incredibly proud of not just their boldness but openness to the process.

The rest of the day was jam packed with workshops from not only our Artistic Director Steve Mead, but the accomplished cellist, Gary Washington & ‘hypnotic & heart skipping’ Jazz Artist & creative producer, Kirsty Almeida.

Follow our socials to see what these bright young musicians do next!