Future Music Leaders

We Make Culture invites women and non-binary people aged 18-25 from Sunderland to apply for Future Music Leaders - a new programme designed to support, develop and champion the next generation of music leaders in our city.

Future Music Leaders is for people who are already creating, organising or making things happen in some way. You might be putting on gigs, supporting artists, creating content, running a music project, or simply developing ideas you’d like to explore further. You don’t need to see yourself as a “leader” and you don’t need to be being paid for what you do - but if you’re taking initiative in your community or want to shape Sunderland’s music culture, this programme can help you grow.

Over six months, you’ll take part in workshops, mentoring and practical project development. You’ll build skills, confidence and networks across the music sector.

 You’ll also receive support and a £500 project budget to plan and deliver your own music-focused live project in Sunderland.

Explore the full Future Music Leaders Information Pack here, including timeline and FAQs here.

Future Music Leaders is part of WMC’s Progression Programme and is funded by Arts Council England.

Taking part in Future Music Leaders will support you to develop and build:

  • A supportive community of women and non-binary Future Music Leaders based in Sunderland

  • Practical leadership, communication and project management skills

  • 1:1 mentoring and peer-to-peer coaching

  • Access to music industry knowledge, networks and local partners

  • Support to develop and run your own live project

  • Experience working with a real budget

  • Insight into creative careers and pathways

Your live project is a self-led idea that you’ll research, plan and deliver with guidance from the programme team. You’ll have the freedom to shape the format, theme and approach.

Projects must: be music-focused, take place in Sunderland and be delivered within the programme timeframe (Feb–June 2026) and the budget of £500.

Examples of live projects could include:

  • a gig or showcase

  • a workshop series,

  • a music and wellbeing project

  • creating a music-focused podcast/ zine/ film/

  • a networking activity.

To apply, please complete this online form: FUTURE MUSIC LEADERS APPLICATION FORM – Fill in form

Note: the form cannot be saved and must be completed all in one go. We suggest completing in a word document first and pasting over once you’re happy with your answers.

You can view and prepare the application questions here: https://www.wemakeculture.co.uk/s/FUTURE-MUSIC-LEADERS-APPLICATION-QUESTIONS.docx

The deadline for applications is 7th January 2026.

 If you have any questions about your application, please email info@wemakeculture.co.uk.