• donate
  • get involved
  • the feed
  • give back
  • about
  • contact
  • find stuff
  • donate
  • get involved
  • the feed
  • give back
  • about
  • contact
  • find stuff

Future Forming Symposium

Bringing together dynamic leaders in music to share visions, discuss challenges and (re)imagine the future.

A musician sat by music production gear including a laptop, set of decks and microphones speaking to someone holding a microphone. The two are lit by pink lighting.
When
Wednesday 23 October, 10am-5.30pm
Where
Manchester Central, M2 3GX
Part of the Initiative
WE, THE LEADERS
Sign Up

Taking place on the first day of WOMEX (Worldwide Music Expo), the Future Forming Symposium is an important part of the legacy of WOMEX 24 in Manchester.

Hosted by DJ Paulette and Radio 1's Victoria Jane, the event will feature presentations and provocations by Black Lives in Music, PRS Foundation, Musicians’ Union, Come Play With Me, Attitude is Everything, Manchester Music City and many more. The full schedule can be found below.

If you’re actively working to make changes in the music industry, join us as we look to the future.

  • DJ Paulette looking into camera, her head leant on her hands which are placed together in front of her.

    DJ Paulette

  • Victoria Jane dressed in light and dark brown baggy clothes with black heels. She is perched on the edge of a black sofa and smiling.

    Victoria Jane

Schedule

10-10.45am - Arrivals

10.45-11am - Welcome and Overview

11am-1.15pm - Morning Sessions (see full schedule below)

1.15-2pm - Lunch

2-5.30pm - Afternoon Sessions (see full schedule below)

Charter Room 4
Hosted by DJ Paulette

11am-12pm

Global Music Leaders Roundtable - international leadership programme with the British Council

12.15-1.15pm

Prioritising Safety in Touring for LGBTQ+ Artists - Musicians’ Union and Come Play With Me

2-3pm

Manchester’s Legacy: Internationalisation and Export - Manchester Music City, Department for Business and Trade, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and UK Music

3.15-4.15pm

PRS Foundation International Showcase Fund Report

4.30-5.30pm

Anti-Racism Code of Conduct Launch - Black Lives in Music

Exchange Room 3
Hosted by Victoria Jane

11am-12pm

Surviving the Future: The Live Music Crisis - venues and promoters from across the North

12.15-1.15pm

Exploring the Legacy and Future of Caribbean and African Music Roadmaps - Karen Gabay, Keecia Ellis and guests

2-3pm

A Youth Perspective with Revel Young Producers, facilitated by UK Music Futures Board

3.15-4.15pm

Accessibility in Live Events for Disabled Audiences, Artists and Professionals - Attitude is Everything

Practical Information

Lunch will be provided. Afterwards, attendees are invited to join us for the WOMEX 24 Opening Concert at The Bridgewater Hall from 7pm-late.

Find out more about accessibility at Manchester Central.

Supporters

Brighter Sound's WE, THE LEADERS programme is supported by Manchester City Council, Arts Council England, British Council, GMCA and The Granada Foundation.

Also on at Brighter Sound

  • Musicians stood clapping and smiling looking off to the right. One is stood in front of a keyboard.

    Reaching Out - Workforce Development

    Event

    12 June

    A drop-in online chat for anyone planning and managing inclusive music activity for children and young people.

    Read More
See everything in the Calendar
© 2025 Brighter Sound
All Rights Reserved
Registered Company: 05100495
Registered Charity: 1154803
Site by Studio Treble
Brand by Bert

Contact

0161 546 5334[email protected]

First Floor, Green Fish Resource Centre
46-50 Oldham Street
Manchester
M4 1LE

See on Google Maps

Policies

  • Terms and Conditions
  • Data and Privacy
  • Safer Spaces
  • Safeguarding
  • Environmental

  • Arts Council England logo
  • Youth Music logo
  • Manchester City Council logo
  • GMCA logo
  • PRS Foundation logo
  • The Granada Foundation logo
  • British Council logo