MAC looks to the future of inclusive music-making

MAC is marking the highlights of its award-winning MAC Makes Music programme as it reaches its conclusion, after 13 years of delivering inclusive music-making opportunities for young people across the West Midlands.

Launched in 2012 in collaboration with national charity Youth Music, MAC Makes Music has delivered music-making sessions for hundreds of children and young people aged 11–25 who face barriers to accessing creative opportunities.

Working both on site at MAC and through partnerships with SEND schools, Pupil Referral Units and community organisations, the programme created spaces for young people to explore song writing, performance and digital music production in ways that reflected their own interests, identities and ambitions.

Over the years, it’s also helped to shape new initiatives including Sound Futures - MAC’s music outreach programme supporting young people in the Youth Justice system. Sound Futures allowed them to build their confidence and skills through music production, song writing, live performance and real‑world work experience alongside music professionals.

In the time that MAC Makes Music has been active, so many aspects of society, technology and education have changed. We’re now taking take time out to explore how we can take the valuable insights and learning from MAC Makes Music forward, to shape future music-making delivery. 

Over the coming months, we’re taking stock of everything we’ve learned and asking young people what they need from us next, so that we can bring fresh energy and ideas to our approach and respond to their changing needs, ambitions and lived experiences. 

As part of this, we’ll be identifying tangible progression routes for young people at the earliest stages of their creative journeys as musicians, including pathways for them to develop as mentors, facilitators and instructors, so that we can nurture the next generation of creative leaders.

MAC Makes Music Highlights At a Glance

• 13 years of inclusive music-making activity
• Hundreds of young people supported across the West Midlands
• Delivered in partnership with schools, community organisations and youth services
• Opportunities spanning songwriting, digital production, performance and mentoring
• Legacy initiatives including Sound Futures and wider youth outreach activity 

We’re incredibly proud of everything MAC Makes Music has achieved over the course of 13 years and deeply grateful to Youth Music, our partners, artists and, most importantly, the young people who have shaped it - it’s been a joy for us to watch them flourish.

We look forward to sharing more updates as activities begin to take shape.