YouTubeBlack Voices Fund will now include songwriters and producers and many other new roles to amply the Black perspective on the streaming platform.
Launched last year, the fund increases Black creators’ voices on YouTube by giving them tools and resources to help their content flourish. The grant applications open on June 21st for the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund. As part of the expansion, the fund is now open to Black creators in Canada and the U.K.
“The YouTube Music team is excited to expand the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund and create new opportunities while also reflecting on the progress made to date,” says Alex Okosi, YouTube’s EMEA managing director for emerging markets. “The six-month scholarship term will see recipients undertake courses in music production, engineering, songwriting, mixing, music business, and much more.”
YouTube will partner with a music education institution, 1500 Sound Academy, to boost Black creator voices, specifically songwriters and producers. The company was founded by Grammy-Award-winning songwriters and producers James Fauntleroy and Larrance “Rance” Dopson.
YouTube will fund 10 full ride scholarships to the Academy’s Live Online 1500 Music & Industry Fundamentals program.
The scholarship will be for a six-month term. During this time, recipients will enter music courses such as production, engineering, songwriting, and so much more.
Since its launch, the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund has also created content and events in tribute to Black culture. The lineup includes 2 Chainz‘s “Money Maker Fund” for Black entrepreneurs and Masego’s “Studying Abroad” live stream concert series.
With the aid of the inaugural Class of 2021, the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund also provides one-on-one mentoring, training, and networking programs.
The #YoutubeBlack Voice equips Black creators with the resources to boost their talents to astronomical heights.