A little about our Youth Advisory Board…
manchester jazz festival’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB) was formed in January 2023. Aiyisha Williams, mjf’s Audience Invitations Specialist, and the communications team announced a callout on social media and engaged with many youth-led organisations across Greater Manchester to appoint the YAB.
The callout expressed that any young people wanting to be involved do not need experience, practice or specialist interest in jazz in order to be involved in the YAB. mjf’s YAB opportunity offered insights into the wide range of skills needed in running an organisation and a festival. Aiyisha then had informal chats with those wanting to be involved about what they would like to get from the experience, what barriers they face and the skills they can bring. A total of 9 young people came forward and all were brought onto the YAB. At the 2023 manchester jazz festival two additions were recruited. Both these young people were mjf volunteers.
In December 2024 we appointed 7 new members to our YAB, who join two existing members and will continue to work with our new cohort. The YAB are looking forward to 2025 and have planned a number of industry talks aimed at young people in Manchester, giving an opportunity to learn about roles, skills and opportunities behind the scenes of a festival.
The YAB aims to recognise the challenges and barriers that young people wishing to enter the music profession may face in accessing opportunities, networking and youth-led spaces. The YAB engages young people across Greater Manchester into youth-led events, workshops, masterclasses and creates opportunities for progression, employment and social engagement.
The YAB also supports manchester jazz festival in decision making and feedback on processes, frequently observing mjf’s formal Board Meetings, to ensure we are prioritising and delivering in terms of accessibility and youth engagement.
Our YAB’s Activity:
If you would like to get involved or find out more about our YAB please email aiyisha@manchesterjazz.com.