AIM, the Association of Independent Music, is working with the British Council to oversee the first online version of the Council’s Selector PRO programme connecting UK music professionals with their counterparts across South America.
Delegates and expert speakers from Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela and the UK will gather virtually on February 24th-25th for a programme of public discussions, panels and artist showcases. Topics are, not surprisingly, skewed towards the issues caused by the pandemic and will include live-streaming, maximising income from music online, creative strategies and digital marketing hacks, climate change, international collaboration and ways in which music can effect social change. Tickets for the public programme are free and can be obtained here.
In addition to the public programme, 45 professionals will be selected to take part in focussed networking sessions to lay the foundations for future international working relations. Beggars Group, Biche, Árbol Naranja / Discos de la Piña, AWAL, Good Energy PR / Black Music Coalition are among the companies already signed up for the event.
Named after the British Council’s Selector radio show, which broadcasts new UK music to over 35 countries, the Selector PRO programme was set up by the British Council to connect international music professionals, deliver training, share stories and discuss the biggest topics affecting the contemporary music industry around the world. Until the pandemic, these events have been face-to-face and have taken place in Russia, India, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Ukraine, Armenia and Georgia.
In Latin America, Selector PRO events have been produced since 2018 in Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico and Venezeula with partners BICHE, Fundacion Nuevas Bandaas and Niceto Club. But this is the first time an edition has been delivered entirely online. So, as AIM has learned the art of online conferencing over the last year, the British Council asked the not-for-profit organisation to oversee the project.
Cathy Graham, Director, Music at the British Council, said, ‘We’re delighted about the next phase in our Selector PRO programme in Latin America. Over the past few years, we have brokered relationships, working with local partners and UK specialists in the music sector like AIM to provide training and insight. But in the face of the current pandemic, we have needed to find new ways of working. Although nothing can take away from the value of face-to-face connections, this digital edition will enable more professionals from Latin America and the UK to take part, learn about new markets, discuss contemporary issues, and network. These are challenging times for the independent music sector, but opportunities like Selector PRO will help foster new relationships of trust and understanding that will be of enormous benefit to the sector and individuals in the future.’
Paul Pacifico, AIM’s CEO said, ‘It’s a pleasure to partner with British Council to deliver this year’s Selector PRO alongside our Latin American partners. AIM has developed demonstrable expertise in delivering engaging content and conferences online over the last year, so we are able to provide valuable experience in bringing the second virtual Selector PRO to life, and to help connect the expert music entrepreneurs in our Membership with their counterparts in Latin America. Independent music entrepreneurs are always looking to find the next avenue for innovation and evolution, and these international events enable cross-cultural collaboration and opportunities to learn and do things differently.’
