The votes have been counted, and our amazing Metal Collective members have made their final decision.
We are delighted to share our latest funded projects, made possible by the support of our fantastic community.
In First Place: Rebels and Pilgrims – Girls to the Front
In first place are the groundbreaking Rebels and Pilgrims, a female-led CIC working to increase equity and access in the creative industries, particularly for young people from underrepresented backgrounds. Based in West London, the organisation challenges inequality through grassroots arts events, mentoring, and creative programming that celebrates individuality and builds community. Their work is grounded in values of integrity, curiosity, and joy, and is delivered in collaboration with youth centres, schools, and cultural spaces. They have been awarded £3000 for the Girls to the Front project which will engage around 15 young girls aged 9-18 in a series of mentoring sessions and an open mic showcase designed to build self-confidence, develop musical skills, and challenge stereotypes in the music industry. Led by femme-identifying artists with lived experience of underrepresentation, the programme creates a supportive space where young girls can explore songwriting, performance, and self-expression. The project not only builds skills and resilience but also nurtures a sense of belonging and possibility through creative participation.
In Second and Third Place…
Livewire – Youth Music Project
Livewire is the South West’s longest-standing youth provision, based in Saltash and serving young people across South-East Cornwall and Plymouth through music, youth work, and in-house counselling. The Youth Music Project have received £2000 to offer free music and production lessons to disadvantaged young people, building confidence, resilience, and creative skills through therapeutic support and real-world performance opportunities.
The Misfits Foundation – SVI Rocks
Misfits Music Foundation is a Birmingham-based organisation delivering inclusive music projects that reduce isolation and improve wellbeing. They have been awarded £2000 towards the SVI Rocks project. SVI Rocks will run monthly rock music sessions in Sandwell for adults with visual impairments, fostering confidence, creativity, and social connection in a fully accessible setting.
The remaining three projects will receive a grant of £1000 towards their incredible work:
RicNic – Generation Music: a youth-led arts charity based in Walsall, West Midlands, providing free and inclusive creative opportunities for young people aged 5–25. The Generation Music project will enable 10 young adults to lead and deliver a live community music event, developing leadership, employability skills, and positive community engagement in Walsall.
Ukrainian Hearts – Nebo i Zemlia Choir: a women-led voluntary organisation based in Lewes, East Sussex, supporting Ukrainians displaced by war through community-led wellbeing and cultural initiatives. The Nebo i Zemlia Choir brings displaced Ukrainians and local residents together through traditional folk singing, offering emotional support, cultural continuity, and meaningful community integration.
Key Changes Positive Mental Health Through Music – Studio Discovery: a long-established charity delivering trauma-informed music mentoring for young people with lived experience of mental health challenges across Manchester, London, and Birmingham. The Studio Discovery project will support up to 50 young people engaged with CAMHS through pop-up hospital studios and professional mentoring, reducing isolation and building pathways into education, volunteering, and peer support.
