£6k Funding for Jez Colborne and the Mind the Gap Band

We’re pleased to announce that we have successfully secured £6k of funding from PRS for Music Foundation’s The Open Fund for Organisations to develop the Mind the Gap Band, fronted by long standing MTG artist Jez Colborne.

This is a pivotal point for the band; until now, they have been performing music written by Jez, but recently developed a collaborative style of writing and making new music that draws on each musician’s individual style, interests and musical background.

The band was formed during the creation of CONTAINED back in 2015, which is now being remounted in 2017 thanks to support from ACE’s Strategic Touring Programme. The band will perform four gigs in Leeds, Halifax, Salford and Newcastle alongside performances of CONTAINED.

Jez Colborne said: “I want people to understand that I’m a serious composer and musician. Not many bands have learning-disabled members, but we’re not just for learning-disabled audiences. I want thousands of people to hear us, enjoy the music and be excited. I’ve led music projects before but this is different. This band gives all members the chance to explore their musical creativity and to shine.”

Furthermore, Executive Director Julia Skelton said of the funding: “We’re thrilled! This funding means that more people across Yorkshire and North England can experience the unique sound of Jez Colborne and the Mind the Gap Band. It also means high quality recordings can be made available for digital release, reaching an even wider audience. Exciting times!”